Mount Jefferson (Bitterroot Range) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Jefferson |
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Mount Jefferson and Flowers (Indian Paintbrush)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,216 ft (3,114 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,363 ft (1,025 m) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Jefferson
Location in Montana
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| Location | Fremont County, Idaho and Beaverhead County, Montana. U.S. |
| Parent range | Centennial Mountains, Bitterroot Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Jefferson |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | scramble from Sawtell Peak |
Mount Jefferson is a tall mountain in the western United States. It stands right on the Continental Divide. This means it's on the border between Fremont County in Idaho and Beaverhead County in Montana. Mount Jefferson is the highest point in the Centennial Mountains. These mountains follow the Continental Divide. You can even climb Mount Jefferson by scrambling up from a nearby road.
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About Mount Jefferson
Where is Mount Jefferson?
Mount Jefferson is a very important peak. It sits exactly on the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant line across North America. It separates which ocean the water flows to. Water on one side flows to the Pacific Ocean. Water on the other side flows to the Atlantic Ocean (or the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic).
The mountain is located in two different states. Part of it is in Idaho. The other part is in Montana. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventures.
Water's Journey from the Mountain
Water from Mount Jefferson takes amazing journeys. The mountain's south and west sides send water towards the Gulf of Mexico. This water flows into Hell Roaring Creek. Then it joins the Red Rock River, the Beaverhead River, and the Jefferson River. Finally, it reaches the huge Missouri River and then the Mississippi River. From there, it flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Interestingly, a tiny spot called Brower's Spring is on Mount Jefferson. Many people consider this spring to be the very beginning of the mighty Missouri River.
The northeast side of Mount Jefferson sends water in a different direction. This water flows into the South Fork of Duck Creek. It then goes into Henrys Lake and the Henrys Fork. This river then joins the Snake River. The Snake River flows into the Columbia River. Finally, the Columbia River empties into the Pacific Ocean. So, water from the same mountain can end up in two different oceans!
Why is it Called Mount Jefferson?
This impressive mountain is named after a very famous American. It honors Thomas Jefferson. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was also the third president of the country. Naming a mountain after him shows his importance in American history.
