Big Snowy Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Snowy Mountains |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Greathouse Peak |
| Elevation | 8,681 ft (2,646 m) |
| Geography | |
 Big Snowy Mountains
Location in Montana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
The Big Snowy Mountains (Gros Ventre: níichʔibííkʔa, lit. 'it is never summer') are a cool mountain range in Montana, USA. They are located south of a town called Lewistown in Fergus County, Montana. Even though they are far from the main Rocky Mountains, they stand out as one of Montana's special "island ranges." This means they are like a mountain island surrounded by flatter land. The highest point in these mountains is called Greathouse Peak, which is about 8,681 feet (2,646 meters) tall. Right next to them, to the east, are the smaller Little Snowy Mountains.
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Exploring the Big Snowy Mountains
The Big Snowy Mountains are unique because they are quite isolated. They are not part of the huge Rocky Mountain chain. This makes them a special place to visit and explore. A large part of these mountains, about 112,000 acres, has no roads. Most of this area is within the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Protecting the Wild Areas
A big section of the mountains is a Wilderness Study Area. This means the land is being considered for special protection. It helps keep the area wild and natural. About 6,870 acres are in the Twin Coulees Wilderness Study Area. This part is managed by the BLM. Another 98,000 acres in the National Forest are also a Wilderness Study Area.
Greathouse Peak: The Highest Point
The Big Snowies have a long, mostly flat ridge at the top. This ridge runs from east to west. It rises above the timberline, which is where trees stop growing because it's too cold or windy. The ridge ends at Greathouse Peak, the highest point in the range. On a clear day, you can see very far from the top of Greathouse Peak. You might even see all the way to Canada in the north or Yellowstone in the south!
The Amazing Ice Cave
On the west side of the mountains, there are many caves. Some of these caves have not been fully explored yet. One of the most famous is the Ice Cave. It has walls made of ice! Even in the summer, the Ice Cave can be up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (about 22 degrees Celsius) cooler than the outside temperature. It's like having a natural freezer in the mountains!
Wildlife and Plants of the Big Snowies
The Big Snowy Mountains are home to many different plants and animals. The types of plants and animals you see depend on where you are in the mountains.
Trees and Forests
The north side of the mountains is covered in thick forests. The main types of trees you'll find here are ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and subalpine fir. These trees love the cooler, wetter conditions on the north slopes. The south side of the mountains is much drier.
Animals of the Mountains
You can find different animals at different elevations. In the lower areas, which are covered in grass, you might see rattlesnakes. You could also spot pronghorn, which are very fast animals. Higher up in the mountains, you'll find larger animals. These include deer and black bears. The mountains provide a safe home for all these creatures.
