Mount Helen (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Helen |
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![]() Mount Helen from Two Medicine Valley
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Highest point | |
Prominence | 940 ft (290 m) |
Geography | |
Location | }Glacier and Montana, United States |
Parent range | Lewis Range |
Topo map | USGS Mount Rockwell, Montana |
Climbing | |
First ascent | Unknown |
Easiest route | Scramble |
Mount Helen is a tall mountain in the Lewis Range. It is located in Glacier National Park. This park is found in the state of Montana in the United States. Mount Helen stands about 8,538 feet (2,602 meters) high. It rises above Upper Two Medicine Lake. This lake is in the southeastern part of the park. A very important line, called the Continental Divide of the Americas, crosses over the top of Mount Helen.
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Discover Mount Helen: A Mountain Adventure
Mount Helen is a beautiful peak in the northern Rocky Mountains. It is part of the amazing landscape of Glacier National Park. The mountain's name honors Helen P. Clarke. She was a well-known conservationist. She worked to protect natural places. Mount Helen offers stunning views of the park. It is a popular spot for hikers.
Where is Mount Helen Located?
Mount Helen is in the state of Montana. It is right inside Glacier National Park. This park is famous for its rugged mountains. It also has many glaciers and clear lakes. The mountain is near the border of two counties. These are Glacier County and Flathead County. It is a key landmark in the park's eastern area.
The Lewis Range: A Mountain Chain
Mount Helen is part of the Lewis Range. This is a major mountain range. It stretches across Montana and into Canada. The Lewis Range is known for its sharp peaks. It also has deep valleys. These mountains were formed over millions of years. They were pushed up by powerful forces in the Earth. This range is home to many different animals.
The Continental Divide: A Watery Boundary
The Continental Divide of the Americas runs right over Mount Helen's summit. This divide is like a giant invisible line. It separates the flow of water across a continent. Rain and snow falling on one side of the divide will eventually flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Water on the other side will flow to the Pacific Ocean. It is a very important geographical feature.
Exploring Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is often called the "Crown of the Continent." It is a wild and beautiful place. The park covers over 1 million acres. It has more than 700 miles of trails. Visitors can explore forests, lakes, and mountains. Mount Helen is just one of its many wonders.
Amazing Animals and Plants
Glacier National Park is full of wildlife. You might see grizzly bears or black bears. Other animals include moose, elk, and mountain goats. There are also many types of birds. The park has a wide variety of plants. These include tall conifer trees and colorful wildflowers. The park's diverse habitats support all this life.
Fun Activities to Do
There are many fun things to do in Glacier National Park. You can go hiking on scenic trails. Boating on the clear lakes is also popular. Many people enjoy fishing or wildlife watching. Ranger-led programs teach about the park's nature and history. It's a great place to learn and explore.