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Northwest: Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Mount Borah, as Idahoans usually call it—is the highest. Located in central Idaho’s Custer County, it rises to 12,662 feet (3,859 m) in the Lost River Range. Between the mountains are a vari- ety of valleys, gorges, and fast-moving rivers and streams. Hells Canyon, which runs along Idaho’s western bor- der with Washington and Oregon, is the deepest river gorge in North America. The Seven Devils Mountains

make up 63 percent of Idaho. The fed- eral government manages these lands, much of which are heavily forested. Idaho’s terrain is very rugged. Mountain ranges belonging to the Rocky Mountain chain extend from northern Idaho’s panhandle into the central part of the state. These moun- tain ranges include the Bitterroot, Salmon River, Sawtooth, and Seven Devils. Dozens of peaks top 10,000 feet (3,000 m). Borah Peak—or

Words to Understand in This Chapter

archaeological— relating to archaeology, the scientific study of the material remains of past human cultures. butte— an isolated hill or mountain with steep sides and a small, relatively level top. gemstone— a mineral that, when cut and polished, can be used for jewelry. geology— the rocks, land, and processes of land formation in a particular area. hydroelectric— relating to the production of electricity by means of waterpower. latitude— distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees (up to 90 degrees). panhandle— a narrow strip of land extending from a larger territory. plateau— a large, relatively flat area of land that rises sharply above adjoining land on at least one side. tributary— a stream or river that feeds a larger river or lake.