Is Montana Considered the Northwest? Debunking the Myth

Many people often wonder whether Montana belongs to the 'Pacific Northwest' or the 'Northwest' region of the United States. In this article, we will explore why Montana is not considered part of the Northwest and the reasons behind its classification as a Rocky Mountain state.

What Defines the Northwest?

The term 'Pacific Northwest' is typically used to describe Oregon and Washington. Historically and geographically, these two states are closely linked due to their proximity to the Pacific Ocean, coastal mountain ranges, and the Cascade Mountains. The characteristics that define the Pacific Northwest are the proximity to the ocean, the coastal mountains, and the Cascades, which are a significant barrier to the east.

Why Is Montana Not Considered the Northwest?

Montana's geographical and environmental features differ significantly from those of the Pacific Northwest. Here are some key reasons why Montana is not considered the Northwest:

Environmental Factors

While the Pacific Northwest is characterized by Pacific Ocean-influenced climates, coastal mountains, and the Cascade Range, Montana has a much different landscape. It lies to the east of the Continental Divide, which means that its river systems drain into the Mississippi River Basin rather than the Pacific Ocean. This geographical feature prevents salmon from reaching Montana from the ocean, significantly altering its natural and environmental characteristics.

Climate

Montana's climate is largely continental, with hot summers and cold winters, which is quite different from the wetter, milder climates found in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, the climatic conditions do not align with those found in Oregon and Washington.

Geographical Classification

Montana is considered a part of the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. The Rocky Mountains form a significant portion of Montana's western border and are a defining feature of the state. Due to this, Montana is often classified as an Intermountain West state, which includes regions west of the Great Plains and east of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range.

Geopolitical Considerations

Geopolitical considerations further impact Montana's classification. For instance, while Montana's western part, particularly around Missoula and the Flathead regions, may share some characteristics with the Pacific Northwest, the rest of the state is more akin to the semi-arid high plains. This leads to a more diverse and varied landscape that does not fit neatly into the Pacific Northwest categorization.

Is Montana's NW Montana a Part of the Northwest?

Some argue that parts of Montana, particularly NW Montana, can be considered part of the Northwest. This nuance is based on the geographical proximity from places like Missoula to the Pacific Northwest's northern end near Eugene, OR. Even so, most geographical and political classifications still firmly place Montana as a Rocky Mountain state or an Intermountain West state.

Discussions on Northwest Classification

Individual opinions vary when it comes to classifying geographically isolated regions like Montana as part of the Northwest. Many Western Washington residents consider Montana to be part of the Rocky Mountains rather than the Pacific Northwest. The classification can also shift based on personal experiences, such as the climate and geography of western Montana being more akin to those in Washington and Oregon than the eastern plains.

Conclusion

While some may argue that parts of Montana, specifically NW Montana, can be considered a part of the Northwest due to its geographical proximity and similar climate to the Pacific Northwest, the broader consensus is that Montana is a part of the Rocky Mountain or Intermountain West region. The Pacific Northwest is typically defined by its unique combination of geographical and climatic features, which make Oregon and Washington distinct from other states.