Montana is a unique state for a lot of reasons—we’re the only one with an official dinosaur trail, for one. But we have plenty of bragging rights when it comes to geographical wonders, too. Montana is one of only a few triples divides in North America, just three of which are in the continental United States. And much like practically every other square inch of the Treasure State, Triple Divide Peak is beautiful.

Unsurprisingly, Montana’s Triple Divide Peak is located within the boundaries of Glacier National Park.

Cody Wellons / Flickr Glacier National Park is a national treasure, home to many of Montana’s most breathtaking spots.

So… what is a triple divide?

Thomas Kriese / Flickr A triple divide, or triple watershed as it’s sometimes known, is a point on the Earth’s surface where three drainage basins meet. Triple divides range from prominent mountain peaks to minor side peaks, and not all of them are remarkable in person. However, they are pretty rare.

You’ll find Montana’s Triple Divide Peak in the Lewis Range, part of the Rocky Mountains.

fritzmb / Flickr It can be reached on foot, although it’s a pretty lengthy process. You’ll have to backpack from St. Mary to Red Eagle Lake and then to Triple Divide Pass, or take a long day hike (over seven miles) from Cut Bank Ranger Station. It’s well worth the effort, but if you’re not an experienced hiker or backpacker, it’s one best left to the experts.

Triple Divide Peak is one of the rarest locations in North America.

fritzmb / Flickr From the summit, rain and melted snow flow in three directions: to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or to the Arctic Ocean via Hudson’s Bay. Over centuries, the three major watersheds have allowed plants and animals to migrate upstream into the Crown of the Continent, giving it one of the most diverse collections of flora and fauna in North America.

The Lewis Range was formed about 170 million years ago, when a huge slab of Precambrian rock faulted and slid over younger rocks from the Cretaceous period.

Eggbones / Wikipedia As you can imagine, it’s incredibly humbling to see it in person, knowing all of that.

We’re lucky to have such a functional, beautiful feature here in Montana.

Ryan McKee / Flickr This is one of so many reasons the Treasure State is truly one-of-a-kind.

Did you know about Montana’s Triple Divide Peak? Have you made the epic trek to the peak? Share your experience with us in the comments!

Cody Wellons / Flickr

Glacier National Park is a national treasure, home to many of Montana’s most breathtaking spots.

Thomas Kriese / Flickr

A triple divide, or triple watershed as it’s sometimes known, is a point on the Earth’s surface where three drainage basins meet. Triple divides range from prominent mountain peaks to minor side peaks, and not all of them are remarkable in person. However, they are pretty rare.

fritzmb / Flickr

It can be reached on foot, although it’s a pretty lengthy process. You’ll have to backpack from St. Mary to Red Eagle Lake and then to Triple Divide Pass, or take a long day hike (over seven miles) from Cut Bank Ranger Station. It’s well worth the effort, but if you’re not an experienced hiker or backpacker, it’s one best left to the experts.

From the summit, rain and melted snow flow in three directions: to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or to the Arctic Ocean via Hudson’s Bay. Over centuries, the three major watersheds have allowed plants and animals to migrate upstream into the Crown of the Continent, giving it one of the most diverse collections of flora and fauna in North America.

Eggbones / Wikipedia

As you can imagine, it’s incredibly humbling to see it in person, knowing all of that.

Ryan McKee / Flickr

This is one of so many reasons the Treasure State is truly one-of-a-kind.

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Address: Triple Divide Peak, Montana 59434, USA