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Physical Map of Montana - Geographical Features of Montana

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Montana showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Montana physical features.

Montana Physical Map

Physical Features of Montana

Montana features a dramatic landscape of towering mountains, expansive plains, and deep river valleys. The western part of the state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, with rugged peaks, forests, and alpine lakes. In contrast, eastern Montana consists of rolling plains and badlands that stretch across the Great Plains. Major rivers such as the Missouri and Yellowstone flow through the state, carving valleys and supporting ecosystems. The terrain transitions sharply from mountainous highlands in the west to open grasslands in the east.

Major Landforms in Montana

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Rocky MountainsMountain rangeWestHigh rugged alpine peaks
Great PlainsPlainEastWide open grasslands
Glacier National Park AreaMountainNorthwestGlacial carved terrain
Missouri PlateauPlateauCentralRolling elevated plains
Yellowstone ValleyValleySouthRiver carved valley
Bitterroot ValleyValleyWestFertile mountain valley
Absaroka RangeMountain rangeSouthVolcanic rugged mountains
Beartooth PlateauPlateauSouthHigh alpine plateau
Little Belt MountainsMountainsCentralIsolated mountain range
BadlandsBadlandsEastEroded rugged terrain

Major Mountain Ranges in Montana

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Rocky MountainsWestGranite Peak12,807 ft
Bitterroot RangeWestTrapper Peak10,157 ft
Absaroka RangeSouthGranite Peak12,807 ft
Beartooth MountainsSouthGranite Peak12,807 ft
Cabinet MountainsNorthwestSnowshoe Peak8,738 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Montana

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Missouri RiverRiverCentralLongest river in U.S.
Yellowstone RiverRiverSouthLongest undammed river
Clark Fork RiverRiverWestMajor western river
Bitterroot RiverRiverWestFlows through valley
Flathead RiverRiverNorthwestFeeds Flathead Lake
Flathead LakeLakeNorthwestLargest natural lake
Fort Peck LakeLakeNortheastLargest reservoir
Canyon Ferry LakeLakeCentralMissouri River reservoir
Hebgen LakeLakeSouthNear Yellowstone area
Hungry Horse ReservoirLakeNorthwestHydroelectric reservoir

Elevation and Terrain in Montana

Montana has significant elevation variation, from high mountain peaks in the west to lower plains in the east. Granite Peak is the highest point, while the lowest point lies along the Kootenai River. The terrain includes mountains, valleys, plateaus, and plains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointGranite Peak – 12,807 ft
Lowest PointKootenai River – 1,800 ft
Average Elevation3,400 ft
Terrain TypeMountains and plains

Montana Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateMontana
Total Area147,040 sq mi
Land Area145,546 sq mi
Water Area1,494 sq mi
Highest PointGranite Peak
Lowest PointKootenai River
Longest RiverMissouri River
Largest LakeFlathead Lake
Major LandformsRocky Mountains, Great Plains
Main Water BodiesMissouri River, Yellowstone River
Terrain TypeMountainous west, plains east
CoastlineNo coastline