New Research Finds Montana Near Bottom of ‘Most-Forested’ List

BUTTE, MT - When you picture Montana as a state, you probably imagine sprawling mountain ranges and green forests covering the landscape.

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With its towering mountains, vast plains, and abundant wildlife, the Treasure State is synonymous with "out-of-staters"—whoops, sorry, we mean "natural beauty." Though the natural beauty of our state feels expansive and all-encompassing—stretching from border to border—anyone who has been on the eastern side of the state knows that a different type of beauty exists: flat, dry, and hot.

Because of this, and due to changes with the climate over the decades, the state of Montana ranks a surprising 39th in the U.S. for most-forested states, with only 27% of the state being forest-covered.

Take a look at who compares:

How Montana’s Forest Coverage Stacks Up Against Other States

So, how does Montana’s forest coverage compare to other states across the country? Let’s take a closer look at where we stand:

1. Maine: Leading the nation, Maine has an impressive 89% of its land covered in forests. The Pine Tree State certainly lives up to its name, with dense woodlands making up nearly all of its landscape.

2. New Hampshire: Another northeastern gem, New Hampshire, follows closely with 84% forest cover. That’s more than three times the forest coverage we see here in Montana.

3. West Virginia: Known for its rolling hills and rich Appalachian forests, West Virginia comes in at 79% forest cover, showcasing just how green some states are compared to Montana.

Moving a little further down the list...

24. Oregon: Often mentioned in the same breath as Montana when it comes to natural beauty, Oregon has 48% of its land forested. That’s nearly double the forest coverage here in Montana.

33. Colorado: Another Rocky Mountain state, Colorado has approximately 34% of its land covered in forests. While Colorado is known for its high peaks and alpine terrain, it still edges out Montana in terms of forest percentage.

But what about states that are at the bottom of the list?

50. North Dakota: Coming in a respective 50th place, North Dakota boasts a whopping 1.72% of forest coverage across its lands. Those acute with geography may know that North Dakota also borders eastern Montana...

49. Nebraska: Flat lands and dry climates result in a 3.2% forest coverage for the state of Nebraska. Don't expect to find much shade while you're out hiking the flatlands.

This Is Where Appreciation Comes In

Understanding the extent of forest coverage in Montana gives us a clearer picture of the state’s overall landscape. While forests are a critical part of Montana’s identity, they coexist with a wide range of other ecosystems, from the Great Plains to the Badlands.

So the next time you’re out enjoying Montana’s great outdoors, take a moment to appreciate the variety of landscapes that make up this incredible state. After all, Montana is more than just its forests—it’s a place where different ecosystems come together to create one of the most stunning and varied natural environments in the country. And by "ecosystems" we mean "out-of-staters."