The three states that lie completely above 45 degrees north are Alaska, Washington, and North Dakota.
Understanding States North of the 45th Parallel
The 45th parallel north is an important line of latitude, located halfway between the equator and the North Pole. While this line passes through several northern U.S. states, including parts of Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, only a select few states are situated entirely north of it.
Based on geographical information, the states whose entire land area lies above the 45th parallel include:
- Alaska: This is the largest U.S. state by area and is located far to the north, well above the 45th parallel. Its vast northern territories extend into the Arctic Circle.
- Washington: The southernmost border of Washington State is positioned just north of the 45th parallel. This means the entire state, including major cities like Seattle, lies entirely above this latitude.
- North Dakota: While the 45th parallel does pass through the southern region of North Dakota, the entire state is considered to be situated above this geographic marker.
It is worth noting that while Montana is a predominantly northern state, with the 45th parallel passing through its southern regions, it is not considered to be entirely north of this line. For example, some of its southernmost cities like West Yellowstone are located directly on or south of the 45th parallel.
Here's a brief overview of these states:
State | Relationship to 45th Parallel | Notable Features/Cities |
---|---|---|
Alaska | Entirely North | Denali National Park, Anchorage, Juneau |
Washington | Entirely North | Puget Sound, Seattle, Spokane |
North Dakota | Entirely North | Badlands, Bismarck, Fargo |
These states exemplify the northernmost geographical extents of the United States.