Beaverhead Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beaverhead Mountains |
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 Beaverhead Mountains
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Scott Peak |
| Elevation | 11,393 ft (3,473 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Area | 4,532 sq mi (11,740 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| Parent range | Bitterroot Range |
The Beaverhead Mountains are a large mountain range. They are located right on the Continental Divide. This means they separate the waters that flow to the Pacific Ocean from those that flow to the Atlantic. The mountains stretch across the U.S. states of Montana and Idaho.
The highest point in the Beaverhead Mountains is Scott Peak. It stands tall at 11,393 feet (3,473 meters). These mountains are a part of the larger Bitterroot Range. They also form a natural border between Beaverhead County, Montana and Lemhi County, Idaho and Clark County, Idaho.
Contents
What are the Beaverhead Mountains Like?
The Beaverhead Mountains cover a huge area of about 4,532 square miles (11,738 square kilometers). They are found to the east of the Bitterroot Mountains. To their southwest is the Big Hole Basin and the Pioneer Mountains. The Centennial Mountains are to their west.
Important Mountain Passes
Several important mountain passes cross through the Beaverheads. These passes are like natural gateways through the mountains. Some well-known ones include Lemhi Pass, Bannock Pass, and Monida Pass.
Smaller Mountain Groups
The Beaverhead Mountains are also made up of smaller mountain groups. These include the West Big Hole Mountains and the Big Hole Divide. Other parts are the Tendoy Mountains, the Italian Peaks, and the Garfield Peaks.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "Beaverhead Mountains" comes from a famous landmark. This landmark is called Beaverhead Rock. It is located just north of the mountains.
What are the Tallest Peaks?
Besides Scott Peak, which is the highest, other notable summits exist. These include Garfield Mountain, standing at 10,961 feet (3,341 meters). Another tall peak is Eighteenmile Peak, which reaches 11,141 feet (3,396 meters).
Exploring the Wild Beaverhead Mountains
The Beaverhead Mountains are home to two very large "roadless areas." These are special places where no roads have been built. This helps keep the natural environment wild and untouched. One area is mostly in Montana, and the other is mainly in Idaho.
West Big Hole: A Montana Wilderness
The West Big Hole roadless area is mostly in Montana. It covers about 215,000 acres (87,000 hectares). This area includes parts of the Beaverhead National Forest in Montana. It also has parts of the Salmon National Forest in Idaho. The elevation here ranges from 4,500 feet (1,370 meters) near the Salmon River to 10,620 feet (3,237 meters) at Homer Youngs Peak.
This area has rugged peaks and dry foothills on the Idaho side. On the Montana side, you'll find large forests of conifer trees. This diverse landscape is perfect for many animals. A large elk herd lives here. They spend their winters in Idaho and their summers in Montana. The Montana side also has the Big Hole River. This river is famous for its excellent trout fishing. Marshy valleys formed by glaciers provide great homes for moose. Other wildlife includes black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, lynx, marten, and deer.
Italian Peaks: Idaho's Wild Heart
The other large roadless area is mostly in Idaho. It is centered around the Italian Peaks part of the range. This area is even bigger, covering about 360,000 acres (145,000 hectares). It includes parts of the Beaverhead, Salmon, and Targhee National Forests. Scott Peak, the highest point in the Beaverheads, is found in this wild area.
This region is mostly dry sagebrush grasslands. But it also has patches of evergreen forests. You can find large areas of quaking aspen trees and high alpine peaks. Many animals live here, such as pronghorn, black bears, golden eagles, elk, and mule deer.
Why These Wild Areas Are Important
These two large roadless areas are very important for wildlife. They connect to the Centennial Mountains to the east. They also link to other wild areas along the Continental Divide. This creates important "biological connectors." These connectors allow animals to move and spread out between two huge wild areas. These are the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Central Idaho Wilderness Ecosystem. This movement helps keep animal populations healthy and diverse.
