Henrys Lake Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henrys Lake Mountains |
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 Henrys Lake Mountains
Location in Montana
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Sheep Point |
| Elevation | 10,609 ft (3,234 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
The Henrys Lake Mountains are a small but amazing mountain range in Montana, United States. They are found northwest of West Yellowstone, Montana. These mountains are also known as the Lionhead Mountains. They sit right on the Continental Divide, which is like a natural line that separates where water flows across North America.
The highest point in this range is called Sheep Point, which stands at 10,609 feet (about 3,234 meters) tall! The Henrys Lake Mountains are a special place with beautiful lakes, interesting wildlife, and a history shaped by powerful natural events.
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Exploring the Mountains and Lakes
The Henrys Lake Mountains are full of natural beauty. They have dense forests, clear streams, and wide-open grassy areas. You can also find rolling tundra, which is a type of treeless plain.
High Mountain Lakes
In the higher parts of the mountains, there are nine subalpine lakes. These lakes sit in bowl-shaped areas called cirques. Many of the mountain peaks here are over 10,000 feet tall.
- Coffin Lake is the biggest and most popular lake in the area. It is located on the Montana side of the mountains. These lakes are perfect for exploring and enjoying nature.
Wild and Roadless Areas
A large part of the Henrys Lake Mountains is still wild and untouched. About 32,000 acres in Montana have no roads. This means these areas are very quiet and natural, perfect for wildlife. There is also a lot of roadless land on the Idaho side, but the exact amount is not known.
Wildlife in the Henrys Lake Mountains
The mountains provide a home for many different animals all year round. These animals thrive in the forests, streams, and open areas.
- Grizzly bears are powerful animals that live here.
- Elk are large deer that roam the mountains.
- Bighorn sheep are known for their impressive curved horns.
These animals depend on the natural environment of the Henrys Lake Mountains to survive.
The Story of Quake Lake
On the northwest side of the Henrys Lake Mountains, you will find Quake Lake. This lake was created in a very dramatic way.
The 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake
In 1959, a very strong earthquake happened near Hebgen Lake. This event is known as the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. The earthquake caused a massive landslide. A huge amount of rock and soil slid down the mountain.
How Quake Lake Formed
The landslide blocked the Madison River. This natural dam caused the river to back up and form a new lake, which is now called Quake Lake. The earthquake and landslide were very serious events that changed the landscape forever.
Unstable Ground
The rocks and soil in the Henrys Lake Mountains are naturally unstable. This instability was a big reason why the landslide happened in 1959. The mountains are made of limestone blocks that sit on top of softer shale and volcanic rocks from the Yellowstone area. This mix of rocks makes the ground prone to landslides.
