List of mountain ranges in Idaho facts for kids

Idaho is a state in the western United States known for its incredible natural beauty, especially its many mountains! There are over 115 named mountain ranges in Idaho. Imagine how many tall peaks and deep valleys that means! Some of these mountain ranges even stretch into nearby states like Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. These mountains are important for wildlife, water, and outdoor adventures.

What Are Mountain Ranges?

A mountain range is a group of mountains that are connected. They often form a long chain or cluster. These chains are usually created by powerful forces deep within the Earth, like tectonic plates pushing against each other. Over millions of years, this slow movement can lift and fold the Earth's crust, creating the towering peaks we see today.

Idaho's mountains are part of larger systems, like the Rocky Mountains and the Basin and Range Province. They are home to many different kinds of plants and animals.

Exploring Idaho's Mountain Ranges

Idaho's mountains offer a huge variety of landscapes, from rugged, rocky peaks to gentle, forested slopes. They are popular places for hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring nature. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and their Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) help us keep track of all these amazing places, noting their names, heights, and locations.

Here are a few examples of the many mountain ranges you can find in Idaho and its neighboring states:

• Albion Mountains: Located in Cassia County, Idaho, these mountains reach about 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high.
• Bannock Range: Found in Bannock County, Idaho, with peaks around 7,018 feet (2,139 meters).
• Beaverhead Mountains: These tall mountains are in Lemhi County, Idaho, and some parts are very high, reaching about 11,352 feet (3,460 meters). They form part of the border with Montana.
• Boise Mountains: Close to the capital city, Boise, these mountains in Boise County, Idaho are about 5,787 feet (1,764 meters) tall.
• Boulder Mountains: In Custer County, Idaho, these mountains are very impressive, with heights up to 11,699 feet (3,566 meters).
• Caribou Range: Located in Caribou County, Idaho, these mountains rise to about 8,202 feet (2,500 meters).
• Centennial Mountains: These mountains are shared between Clark County, Idaho and Montana, reaching heights of 10,180 feet (3,103 meters).
• Clearwater Mountains: Found in Idaho County, Idaho, these mountains are about 4,895 feet (1,492 meters) high.
• Lost River Range: This range in Butte County, Idaho includes some of Idaho's highest peaks, with elevations around 8,783 feet (2,677 meters).
• Owyhee Mountains: Located in Owyhee County, Idaho, these mountains are about 8,386 feet (2,556 meters) tall.
• Pioneer Mountains: In Blaine County, Idaho, these are among the tallest, reaching an amazing 11,939 feet (3,639 meters)!
• Sawtooth Range: A very famous and beautiful range in Blaine County, Idaho, known for its jagged peaks, with heights around 9,767 feet (2,977 meters).
• Seven Devils Mountains: These dramatic mountains in Idaho County, Idaho are about 9,268 feet (2,825 meters) high and offer stunning views of the Snake River Canyon.
• Smoky Mountains: In Blaine County, Idaho, these mountains reach about 10,118 feet (3,084 meters).
• Snake River Range: Located in Bonneville County, Idaho, this range is about 9,751 feet (2,972 meters) high.
• White Cloud Mountains: Another beautiful range in Custer County, Idaho, with peaks up to 11,788 feet (3,593 meters).

These mountains are not just pretty to look at; they are also vital for Idaho's environment and economy. They provide water for rivers and farms, homes for many animals, and places for people to enjoy nature.

See also

• Bitterroot National Forest
• List of mountain ranges in Montana
• List of mountain peaks of Idaho