West Region

Geography of the West Region

• Varied Landforms:

  • Highest landform: Mt. McKinley (Alaska)

  • Lowest landform: Death Valley (California)

  • Coastal Mountains border the Pacific coast.

  • Beaches along the Pacific coast.

  • Fertile, green valleys in Oregon and California.

  • Forested areas in western Oregon and Washington.

  • Includes states of Alaska and Hawaii.

Climate and Temperature

• Extreme Climates: The West Region features a mix of climates, often referred to as the land of opposites.

  • Hot Conditions:

    • Many areas experience hot summers, with Death Valley reaching up to 120°F.

  • Cold Conditions:

    • Regions like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and parts of Washington face heavy snow and freezing temperatures during harsh winters.

    • Alaska, known for extreme winter temperatures, has tundra areas where trees cannot grow due to the cold.

  • Mild Climates:

    • San Diego, California, has a mild climate year-round.

    • Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate with average high temperatures of 85°F and average lows around 70°F.