Coeur d'Alene Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coeur d'Alene Mountains |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cherry Peak |
| Elevation | 7,352 ft (2,241 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 98 mi (158 km) E/W |
| Width | 62 mi (100 km) N/S |
| Area | 2,590 sq mi (6,700 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| Parent range | Bitterroot Range |
The Coeur d'Alene Mountains are a beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains. You can find them in northern Idaho and western Montana in the Western United States. They are the northwesternmost section of the larger Bitterroot Range.
This mountain range covers a large area, about 2,590 square miles (6,700 km²). Its two tallest peaks are Cherry Peak, which is 7,352 feet (2,241 meters) high, and Patricks Knob, standing at 6,837 feet (2,084 meters).
Contents
Exploring the Coeur d'Alene Mountains
What's in a Name?
The Coeur d'Alene Mountains get their name from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. This Native American tribe has lived in the area for a very long time.
Wild Areas and Wildlife
The Montana part of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains has several large areas without roads. These "roadless" places are important for wildlife. They are great spots for animals to live freely.
Mount Bushnell's Forests
One of these wild areas is around Mount Bushnell. It covers about 43,000 acres (17,000 hectares). This area is south of Thompson Falls. It is a good home for deer, elk, and mountain lions.
The forests here are very thick with lodgepole pine trees. Many of these trees grew after the huge Great Fire of 1910. You can find about 30 miles (48 km) of trails for hiking. The landscape also has rocky slopes, grassy spots, and wet creek bottoms. Lush areas near the water are home to special animals. These include the Coeur d'Alene salamander and the tailed frog.
Cherry Peak's Hidden Lakes
East of Mount Bushnell is another roadless area. This one is around Cherry Peak, the highest point in the Coeur d'Alenes. It covers about 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares).
You can find tiny lakes hidden in bowl-shaped areas on Eddy Mountain. Trees like subalpine fir and plants like devil's club grow commonly here.
Patrick's Knob and Bighorn Sheep
Around Patrick's Knob, there are about 18,000 acres (7,300 hectares) of roadless land. This area has thick forests of Douglas-fir and larch trees.
A large group of bighorn sheep lives here. You can often see them, especially in winter. There is even an old cabin on Fourteen Mile Creek.
