Northern Rocky Mountains
Quick Summary
The Northern Rocky Mountains are a significant part of the vast Rocky Mountains range, which forms the western backbone of North America. This section of the Rockies stretches across parts of Montana and northeastern Idaho in the United States.1
These mountains are characterized by high elevations, with many peaks exceeding 13,000 feet (4,000 meters). They were formed by the Laramide Orogeny, a mountain-building event that occurred between 65 and 35 million years ago, involving the eastward thrusting of ancient limestone over younger rocks. The landscape showcases dramatic scenery shaped by past glaciation and volcanic activity.12
The Northern Rockies are bordered by the Great Plains to the east and the Interior Plateau and Coast Mountains of Canada to the west. This region is rich in mineral resources and supports diverse ecosystems, including coniferous forests and alpine tundra at higher elevations.13
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IdahoRelief and drainage…are included within Idaho: the Northern Rocky Mountains, the Middle Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Basin, and the Basin and Range Province. The Northern Rockies extend from the Canadian border to south-central Idaho and occupy nearly half the state’s area. Peaks reaching elevations between 10,000 and 12,000 feet (3,000 and 3,700…
Read More…are included within Idaho: the Northern Rocky Mountains, the Middle Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Basin, and the Basin and Range Province. The Northern Rockies extend from the Canadian border to south-central Idaho and occupy nearly half the state’s area. Peaks reaching elevations between 10,000 and 12,000 feet (3,000 and 3,700…
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Rocky Mountains…groupings: the Canadian Rockies and Northern Rockies of Montana and northeastern Idaho; the Middle Rockies of Wyoming, Utah, and southeastern Idaho; the Southern Rockies, mainly in Colorado and New Mexico; and the Colorado Plateau in the
Read More…groupings: the Canadian Rockies and Northern Rockies of Montana and northeastern Idaho; the Middle Rockies of Wyoming, Utah, and southeastern Idaho; the Southern Rockies, mainly in Colorado and New Mexico; and the Colorado Plateau in the
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United StatesThe Western CordilleraThe Northern Rockies contain the most varied mountain landscapes of the Cordillera, reflecting a corresponding geologic complexity. The region’s backbone is a mighty series of batholiths—huge masses of molten rock that slowly cooled below the surface and were later uplifted. The batholiths are eroded into rugged…
Read MoreThe Northern Rockies contain the most varied mountain landscapes of the Cordillera, reflecting a corresponding geologic complexity. The region’s backbone is a mighty series of batholiths—huge masses of molten rock that slowly cooled below the surface and were later uplifted. The batholiths are eroded into rugged…
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