List of mountain passes in Oregon facts for kids
There are over 300 mountain passes in the U. S. state of Oregon. A mountain pass is like a low spot or a "doorway" between mountains. It's often the easiest way to cross a mountain range. These passes are important for roads, trails, and even animals moving through the landscape.
What is a Mountain Pass?
Imagine two tall mountains standing side by side. A mountain pass is the lowest point between them. It's like a natural dip in the land. People have used these natural paths for thousands of years. They help travelers avoid climbing over the highest peaks.
Passes can be wide and gentle. Some are narrow and steep. They are often where roads and trails are built. This makes it easier to travel across mountains.
Different Names for Passes
In Oregon, people use different words for mountain passes. Each word describes a slightly different type of pass. Here are some common names and how often they are used:
- Pass: This is the most common word, used 100 times. It means a general low point in a mountain range.
- Gap: This word is used 99 times. A "gap" often suggests a narrow opening or break in a ridge.
- Saddle: This term is used 61 times. It describes a pass that looks like a horse's saddle. It has two higher points on either side and a dip in the middle.
- Summit: Used 36 times, a "summit" can mean the highest point of a mountain. But it can also mean the highest point of a road or trail as it crosses a pass.
- Narrows: This word is used 7 times. It means a very tight or narrow section of a pass.
- Gate: Used 3 times, a "gate" suggests a specific entry point into a mountain area.
- Notch: This word is also used 3 times. A "notch" is a sharp, V-shaped cut in a ridge or mountain.
- Divide: Used 2 times, a "divide" is a ridge of high ground. It separates two different river systems or drainage basins.
See also
- Lists of Oregon-related topics
