Salish Mountains facts for kids
The Salish Mountains are a beautiful mountain range located in the northwest part of Montana, a state in the United States. These mountains are special because they are bordered on the east by the large and famous Flathead Lake. The peaks in the Salish Mountains vary in height, with some reaching almost 7,000 feet tall, while others are closer to 3,600 feet. Even though they are not as well-known as some other ranges in Montana, they cover a large area of about 4,125 square miles. This area is full of green forests and many peaks.
Most of the mountain tops in the Salish Range are covered with trees and have a rounded shape. However, some peaks have open, grassy slopes. From these open spots, you can see amazing views of the valleys below and other nearby mountain ranges.
Exploring the Salish Mountains
The Salish Mountains are a triangular-shaped area filled with lush forests. This makes them a great place for nature lovers and explorers. The range offers a mix of gentle, tree-covered slopes and more open areas that provide wide, sweeping views. Imagine standing on a grassy peak, looking out over miles of green trees and distant mountains!
How the Salish Mountains Got Their Name
The Salish Mountains are named after the Native American people who lived in this area for hundreds of years. These people are known as the Salish. Long ago, before European settlers arrived, this land was their home.
The Salish people originally came from the Pacific Northwest region. Early European explorers and settlers called them the Flathead Indians. However, the Salish people call themselves "Salish," which means "the people" in their own language.
The Salish People: A Brief History
Even though the Salish tribe was never very large, they were known for being brave, honest, and generally kind. They were also friendly towards the white settlers who first came to their lands.
When they were first known, around the early 1800s, the Salish people mostly lived by hunting animals and gathering wild plants. A very important plant they gathered was called camas, which has edible roots. They lived in homes called tipis, which were made from animal skins, or in lodges covered with mats. The Salish people were usually peaceful with other tribes. However, they did have a long-standing rivalry with the powerful Blackfeet tribe. The Blackfeet lived on the Great Plains, on the other side of the continental divide.
