Cabinet Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cabinet Mountains |
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Snowshoe Peak, highest point in the Cabinet Mountains
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Snowshoe Peak |
| Elevation | 8,738 ft (2,663 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Area | 2,134 sq mi (5,530 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| Parent range | Rocky Mountains |
The Cabinet Mountains are a mountain range found in the Rocky Mountains. They are located in northwest Montana and the Idaho panhandle in the United States. These mountains cover a large area of about 2,134 square miles (5,527 km²).
The Cabinet Mountains are south of the Purcell Mountains. They sit between the Kootenai River and Clark Fork River. They are also near Idaho's Lake Pend Oreille. The mountains form the north side of the Clark Fork River valley.
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Exploring the Cabinet Mountains
The Cabinet Mountains are known for their wild and untouched nature. They are considered one of the wildest mountain areas in the United States. This makes them a special place for nature lovers.
Tallest Peaks in the Cabinets
The highest points in the Cabinet Mountains are impressive. The tallest peak is Snowshoe Peak, which stands at 8,738 feet (2,663 meters) high. Other notable peaks include A Peak (8,634 ft, 2,632 m), Bockman Peak (8,174 ft, 2,491 m), and Elephant Peak (7,938 ft, 2,433 m). Even though they are not as high as some other Rocky Mountain peaks, they still look very tall. This is because the rivers and valleys around them are much lower.
Wildlife in the Mountains
The Cabinet Mountains are home to many different animals. You can find large animals like mule deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep here. There are also predators such as black bears, grizzly bears, wolverine, and wolves. Many smaller animals also live in this area.
The Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
A special part of the range is the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. This wilderness area is east of the Bull River. It is near Noxon, Montana and is roughly in the middle of the mountain range. Wilderness areas are protected places where nature is left wild.
History and Geology
The Cabinet Mountains have an interesting past and unique rock formations.
Mountain Geology
Scientists believe the rocks in the Cabinet Mountains might hold many valuable minerals. This means there could be interesting natural resources hidden deep within the mountains.
A National Park Idea That Didn't Happen
Long ago, in 1916, the U.S. Congress thought about making the Cabinet Mountains a national park. The idea came up again in 1933. However, the director of the National Park Service decided that the mountains were not unique enough to become a national park. So, the plan was never put into action.
