Targhee Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Targhee Pass |
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 Targhee Pass
Location in Idaho
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| Elevation | 7,072 ft (2,156 m) |
| Traversed by |  US 20 |
| Location | Fremont County, Idaho / Gallatin County, Montana, United States |
| Range | Rocky Mountains |
| Coordinates | 44°40′29″N 111°16′33″W / 44.67472°N 111.27583°W |
| Topo map | USGS Targhee Pass |
Targhee Pass is a mountain pass located high up in the Rocky Mountains. It sits right on the Continental Divide, which is like a natural line that separates which way water flows across North America. This pass is on the border between southeastern Idaho and southwestern Montana.
It's pretty high up, at about 7,072 feet (2,156 meters) above sea level. Imagine standing on top of a really tall building! The pass got its name from a Bannack Indian chief.
U.S. Highway 20 (US 20) goes right over Targhee Pass. This highway is a main road for people traveling between states. The pass is about 15 miles (24 km) west of West Yellowstone, Montana, which is a town right next to Yellowstone National Park. For many people coming from southern Idaho, this pass is the easiest way to get to Yellowstone Park.
Exploring Targhee Pass and Its Surroundings
Targhee Pass is found within the Caribou–Targhee National Forest. This is a large area of protected land with lots of trees and wildlife.
- Just west of the pass is Henrys Lake. This lake is the starting point for the Henrys Fork river. The Henrys Fork is a smaller river that eventually flows into the much larger Snake River.
- To the north of the pass, you'll find Hebgen Lake. This is a reservoir, which is like a big artificial lake created to store water. Hebgen Lake is on the Madison River, which is another river that flows into the Missouri River.
A Historic Journey: The Nez Perce War
Targhee Pass has a cool history, especially connected to the Nez Perce War of 1877.
- On August 22, 1877, a group of Nez Perce people, led by their famous leader Chief Joseph, traveled through Targhee Pass.
- They were trying to avoid the U.S. Cavalry, which was led by General Oliver O. Howard.
- Before reaching the pass, the Nez Perce had a fight with the army at the Battle of Camas Creek in Idaho.
- After crossing into Montana Territory through Targhee Pass, the Nez Perce continued their journey. They moved east along the Madison River and then into Yellowstone National Park. Their journey was a long and difficult one as they tried to find safety.
