Rogers Pass (Montana)
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| Rogers Pass | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 5,610 feet (1,709 m) |
| Location | Montana, U.S. |
| Range | Rocky Mountains |
| Coordinates | |
| Topo map | USGS Rogers Pass (MT) |
| Traversed by | Montana Highway 200 |
Rogers Pass rises 5,610 feet (1,709 m) above sea level and is located on the continental divide in the U.S. state of Montana.[1] The pass is adjacent to Helena National Forest and is traversed by Montana Highway 200. Wide shoulders provide parking for those wishing to hike the Continental Divide Trail. The pass is the best route between the cities of Great Falls and Missoula, Montana, more than 800 feet (244 m) lower than Lewis and Clark Pass 5.3 miles (8.5 km) to the northwest that was used by Meriwether Lewis of the eponymous expedition on July 7, 1806.[2]
Rogers Pass is more than 100 miles (160 km) south of Marias Pass and there are no other roads that cross the continental divide between these two passes. The region between the two passes is mostly wilderness, and the majority of it has been set aside and protected from future development. The Great Bear, Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wildernesses have been consolidated into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and permanently protect 1,535,352 acres (6,070 km²). The region is noted for its inaccessibility and as one of the last strongholds for the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states.[3] The Scapegoat Wilderness is a 10 mile (16 km) hike north of Rogers Pass via the Continental Divide Trail.
[edit] Record cold temperature
Rogers Pass is the location of the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States outside of Alaska. On January 20, 1954 a low temperature of -70 °F (-57 °C) was recorded during a severe cold wave.[4]
[edit] Golden Eagle migration route
The region is a noted location for observation of golden eagles and to a lesser extent, bald eagles. During the months of March and April, strong westerly winds help migrating flocks of eagles cross the continental divide so they can spend the summer on the great plains. During these months, over 800 golden eagles and 129 bald eagles have been observed heading east. From mid-September through October, a similar migration occurs, except in the opposite direction. This is also a migration route used by other raptors such as northern goshawks red-tailed hawks, and rough-legged hawks. Canada geese, tundra swans and snow geese also use the pass during migration periods. The golden eagles and other birds can be observed from a distance as close as 100 to 500 feet (30 to 150 m).[5]
[edit] Cited references
- ^ Rogers Pass, USGS Rogers Pass (MT) Topo Map (Map). Topozone. Retrieved on 2007-03-09.
- ^ Jackson, Jill. A Timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-03-12.
- ^ Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Flathead National Forest. U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved on 2007-03-14.
- ^ Top Ten Montana Weather Events of the 20th Century. National Weather Service Unveils Montana's Top Ten Weather/Water/Climate Events of the 20th Century. National Weather Service. Retrieved on 2007-03-09.
- ^ Rocky Mountain Front Eagle Migration Area. NatureWatch Viewing Sites. U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved on 2007-03-11.
