The Pine Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Pine Hills |
|
|---|---|
 The Pine Hills
Location in Montana
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Buck Mountain |
| Elevation | 3,327 ft (1,014 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
The Pine Hills are a small mountain range in eastern Montana, near Miles City, Montana. They are famous for their beautiful pine trees that stand out in the mostly treeless plains around them. The highest point in the Pine Hills is Buck Mountain, which reaches about 3,327 feet (1,014 meters) high. You can find these hills along Highway MT-12, which even goes up to 3,140 feet (957 meters) as it crosses through them.
Contents
Exploring the Pine Hills' Geography
Even though the Pine Hills reach over 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) in height, the flat land around them is much lower, usually between 2,300 and 2,500 feet (700–800 meters). This means the hills rise about 800–1,000 feet (250–300 meters) above the surrounding area. There are also other hills called buttes nearby, some of which are even taller than the Pine Hills, but they are not part of this mountain range.
Plants and Animals of the Pine Hills
The Pine Hills are mostly covered with green sage plants and tall ponderosa pine trees. These pine forests are special because they are "relict" stands, meaning they are leftover from times when the climate was wetter. The weather here is similar to the rest of Eastern Montana, with hot, wet summers and cold, dry winters.
Understanding the Geology of the Pine Hills
The Pine Hills are an old mountain range that has been worn down over a very long time. Because they are so old, you can find examples of ancient rocks here. For instance, at a spot called Strawberry Hill, there is sandstone near the top, showing how old the area is.
Fun Things to Do in the Pine Hills
If you want to visit the Pine Hills, there are a couple of options for staying or camping.
- Miles City Retreat at Rolf Ranch: This is a lodge with a single cabin where visitors can stay.
- Strawberry Hill Recreation Area: This area offers a simple, "primitive" camping site. This means there are no services like restrooms or water, so campers need to be prepared.
