Faulty Mountains

The Lemhi Mountains to the west are typical of a "Basin and Range" landscape. This range was created when the earth’s crust stretched so that it cracked apart, creating large faults. Along the faults, the mountains lifted up from pressure beneath the crust as the valleys subside.

Extending from the Snake River Plain to the south, the Lemhi Range forms a rugged line of peaks stretching northeast over 100 miles to end near Salmon Idaho. Unlike the Lost River Range to the west, there are no low passes crossing the Lemhi Range. A hundred mile drive may be required to get from one side of the range to the other.


Birch Creek flows from the beautiful Lemhi Mountains.                   Photo: James Neeley

High and dry in the south, lower and greener in the north describes this range, with dozens of peaks beckoning as you travel north. Saddle Mountain, Diamond Peak (above, center), Bell Mountain, Gilmore, Big Creek, Yellow and Lem Peaks, to name a few. Further to the west, you will find Bear Mountain and Iron Creek Point on the Iron Divide.

Animals

• Wildlife 
• Raptors 

Geology

• Wind Bowl 
• Strange Rocks 
• Glass Mountains 

Views from the Top

• Snake River Plain 
• Deer Parks Wildlife
• Henry's Fork Habitat
• Faulty Mountains
• St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Maps

• Area Map
• Trail Map

Brochure

• Download the pdf (1240 kb.)

Area Recreation Sites

• Big Southern Butte
• Birch Creek Campground
• Cress Creek Nature Trail
• Hell's Half Acre
• Henry's Fork- Snake River
• Henry's Lake
• Kelly Island Campground
• North Menan Butte
• South Fork of Snake River
• St. Anthony Sand Dunes
• Stinking Springs
• Wolf Flat