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Upper Plains: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota

combines forests and mountains. The northwestern part of Montana contains pristine lakes and national parks. Glacier National Park is locat- ed in the northwestern part of the state. Throughout the northwestern region of Montana are areas of vast wilderness, towering mountain peaks, forests, and some broad meadows. Some people consider the scenery of Glacier National Park to be the most beautiful in the country. The plains have an abundance of colorful flowers. The park contains 762 lakes and dozens of waterfalls. Wildlife is abundant: there are 60 species of

forces of wind and water over millions of years. The state can be divided into two main areas: a flatter region and a higher, drier, rockier region. Montana has many mountains and valleys. Low, grassy valleys cover large parts of Montana. These valley low- lands stretch for hundreds of miles and offer a spectacular view of snow- capped mountains that push against the low lands and seemingly exist as far as the horizon travels. The eastern broad valley region contains more prairie and flat grass- lands than mountains. The western region is much higher in elevation and

Words to Understand in This Chapter

basin— a hollow depression or print in the Earth that is lower than the surrounding land. constitution— a written system of principles or ideas that are used as the basis of government for a state or nation. hydroelectric— electricity that is generated by water falling or moving through equipment at a dam or waterfall. reservation— in the United States, a land that is designated as official Native American territory. skirmish— a brief conflict or fight that does not involve many soldiers.