Okanagan Highland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Okanagan Highland |
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| Okanogan Highlands | |
Location map of the Okanagan Highland
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| Location | British Columbia and Washington |
| Coordinates | 49°35′00″N 119°00′00″W / 49.58333°N 119.00000°W |
| Age | Mesozoic |
The Okanagan Highland is a high, hilly area found in both British Columbia, Canada, and the U.S. state of Washington. In Washington, it is often called the Okanogan Highlands. This region is known for its rounded mountains and deep, narrow valleys. Some mountains here reach up to 8,000 feet (about 2,400 meters) above sea level.
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What is the Okanagan Highland?
The Okanagan Highland is a large area of raised land. It has many hills and mountains. It stretches across the border between Canada and the United States.
Where is the Okanagan Highland located?
In British Columbia, the Okanagan Highland starts south of the Shuswap River. It goes for about 85 miles (137 kilometers) south into Washington State. It is located between the Monashee Mountains to the east and the Thompson Plateau and Okanagan Valley to the west. The Kettle River valley clearly marks its eastern edge.
The state of Washington sees the "Okanogan Highlands" as an even bigger area. It reaches from east of the Cascade Mountains into northern Idaho. This larger area includes parts of the Columbia Basin and the southern Monashee Mountains.
Geography of the Highland
The Okanagan Highland features several important mountains and is the source of many rivers.
Mountains in the Highland
The highest point in the Okanagan Highland is Big White Mountain. It is located at the northeastern end of the Highland. Big White Mountain is also the tallest peak in the Beaverdell Range. This mountain range extends south from Big White.
Other important mountains in the region include Little White Mountain, Mount Baldy, Mount Moore, and Mount Greyback. In the U.S. part of the Highland, Mount Bonaparte is the highest summit.
Rivers of the Highland
The Okanagan Highland is where several rivers begin. These include the Kettle River and the West Kettle River. Another river that starts here is the Sanpoil River.
Protecting the Okanagan Highland
Many areas within the Okanagan Highland are protected. These protected areas help to keep the natural environment safe.
Parks and Forests
Some of the protected places in the Okanagan Highland are Gladstone Provincial Park, Graystokes Provincial Park, and Granby Provincial Park. In the United States, a large protected area is the Colville National Forest. These parks and forests help to preserve the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the region.
