Montana State Maps

These maps show Montana State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.




Montana County Map

The 56 Counties of Montana and Their Name Origins

Montana County Sizes Map

Montana State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Montana State

Silver Bow County: 718 sq miles

Largest County in Montana State

Beaverhead County: 5553 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Montana State

Mean Area: 2474 sq miles

Median Area: 2384 sq miles

Montana Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Montana State and Their Locations

Montana's major cities are spread across its vast landscape, providing a mix of urban and rural areas. Some examples include:

1. Billings

Billings: Montana's largest city, located in the south-central part of the state along the Yellowstone River. Billings is an economic hub for the region.

2. Missoula

Missoula: A cultural and educational center in western Montana, home to the University of Montana, located along the Clark Fork River.

3. Great Falls

Great Falls: Situated on the Missouri River in central Montana, known for its proximity to the falls from which it takes its name.

4. Kalispell

Kalispell: Located near Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, Kalispell is a gateway to outdoor recreation and an important regional commercial center.

5. Helena

Helena: The state capital, located in western Montana, was founded during the Montana gold rush and remains a center of government and commerce.

6. Bozeman

Bozeman: Situated in the Gallatin Valley, Bozeman is home to Montana State University and is known for its growing technology industry and access to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.

7. Butte

Butte: A historic mining city located in southwestern Montana, known for its copper mining heritage and rich cultural history.

8. Livingston

Livingston: Located along the Yellowstone River near the Absaroka Mountains, Livingston is known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and its vibrant arts community.

9. Glasgow

Glasgow: A small city in northeastern Montana, Glasgow serves as a regional hub for agriculture and transportation in the Missouri River Valley.

10. Shelby

Shelby: Located near the Canadian border in north-central Montana, Shelby is a key rail and agricultural center.

11. Glendive

Glendive: Situated in eastern Montana along the Yellowstone River, Glendive is known for its agricultural economy and proximity to Makoshika State Park.

12. Red Lodge

Red Lodge: Located in southern Montana, Red Lodge is a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to the Beartooth Mountains and the scenic Beartooth Highway.

13. Libby

Libby: Nestled in northwestern Montana, Libby is known for its natural beauty, including nearby Kootenai Falls and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.



Montana State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of Montana

Montana's topography ranges from the rugged mountain ranges of the west to the expansive plains of the east. Below are some notable landforms:

1. Rocky Mountains

Montana’s western third is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, home to Glacier National Park and several peaks over 10,000 feet.

2. Great Plains

The eastern two-thirds of the state feature the Great Plains, with rolling grasslands and vast prairies stretching toward the horizon.

3. Yellowstone River Valley

The Yellowstone River cuts through the southern part of Montana, creating fertile valleys and supporting agriculture and wildlife.

4. Bitterroot Valley

Located in western Montana, the Bitterroot Valley is framed by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, offering scenic vistas and lush agricultural lands.

5. Missouri Breaks

The Missouri Breaks is a rugged, deeply eroded landscape along the Missouri River in north-central Montana, characterized by steep cliffs, badlands, and dramatic canyons.

6. Absaroka Range

Located in southern Montana, the Absaroka Range forms a boundary between Montana and Wyoming, with rugged, high-elevation peaks and deep valleys ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing.

7. Cabinet Mountains

Situated in northwestern Montana, the Cabinet Mountains offer rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and dense forests, making them a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife.

8. Little Belt Mountains

Located in central Montana, the Little Belt Mountains are known for their forested slopes, rolling hills, and diverse recreational opportunities.



Montana Physiographic Regions Map

Physiographic Regions of Montana State

Great Plains: Missouri Plateau, Glaciated

The Glaciated Missouri Plateau in northern Montana was shaped by past glacial activity, creating a landscape of rolling hills and fertile soils.

Great Plains: Missouri Plateau, Unglaciated

In contrast, the Unglaciated Missouri Plateau in the central part of the state features rugged terrain, including badlands and deeply carved river valleys.

Middle Rocky Mountains

The Middle Rocky Mountains dominate the southwestern portion of Montana, featuring high peaks and expansive wilderness areas.

Northern Rocky Mountains

The Northern Rocky Mountains in western Montana include Glacier National Park, characterized by rugged, glaciated terrain and diverse ecosystems.



Montana Federal Lands Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Montana

1. Glacier National Park

One of Montana’s most famous landmarks, Glacier National Park, features dramatic alpine scenery, lakes, and a variety of wildlife. It is a major destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

2. Yellowstone National Park

Though mostly in Wyoming, parts of Yellowstone National Park extend into Montana. It is known for geothermal features, including Old Faithful, and rich biodiversity.

3. Flathead National Forest

Located in the northern Rocky Mountains, Flathead National Forest offers rugged terrain and is home to a significant portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

4. Custer Gallatin National Forest

This national forest spans southern Montana and is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and grasslands. It provides a range of outdoor recreational opportunities.

5. Lewis and Clark National Forest

This forest encompasses much of the Rocky Mountain Front and offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. It is named after the famous explorers who passed through the area.



Montana Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of Montana

Beaverhead Mountains Section

Located along the Idaho-Montana border, the Beaverhead Mountains are rugged and sparsely populated, offering scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.

Belt Mountains Section

The Belt Mountains in central Montana are known for their forested landscapes, outdoor recreation, and mining history.

Bighorn Basin Section

This section spans the border of Montana and Wyoming, offering a dry, arid landscape and significant deposits of oil and natural gas.

Bighorn Mountains Section

Covering parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are characterized by high elevation forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic canyons.

Bitterroot Mountains Section

Along the western border with Idaho, the Bitterroot Mountains are a rugged, high-elevation range known for their alpine ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Bitterroot Valley Section

The Bitterroot Valley, located between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, features fertile farmland, a rich history, and a strong cultural heritage.

Flathead Valley Section

The Flathead Valley in northwestern Montana is home to expansive agricultural lands, beautiful lakes, and Glacier National Park.

Idaho Batholith Section

This section, extending into western Montana, consists of large granite formations and rugged landscapes that support dense forests and wildlife.

Northern Glaciated Plains Section

Located in northeastern Montana, this section consists of flat, expansive plains shaped by past glacial activity, making it suitable for agriculture and wildlife habitats.

Northern Rockies Section

The Northern Rockies stretch through western Montana and are characterized by high peaks, deep valleys, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. This region includes Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Northwestern Glaciated Plains Section

This section, located in the northern part of the state, is a glaciated landscape featuring rolling hills and prairie ecosystems. It supports a mix of agriculture and natural habitats for wildlife.

Northwestern Great Plains Section

Spanning the central and eastern portions of Montana, this region consists of rolling prairie and grasslands, ideal for ranching and dryland farming.

Powder River Basin Section

This section in southeastern Montana features arid landscapes and is rich in coal, oil, and natural gas, supporting energy development and sparse agricultural activities.

Rocky Mountain Front Section

This dramatic transition zone between the Northern Rockies and the Great Plains is known for its wildlife, rugged terrain, and scenic views. It is an important area for conservation and outdoor recreation.

Yellowstone Highlands Section

The Yellowstone Highlands in southern Montana include portions of Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, with stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.