[3] Stanton Mountain rises more than 4,500 feet (1,400 m) above the northern shore of Lake McDonald.

The mountain's name refers to Mrs. Lottie Stanton who lived near the west side of the park in the late 1800s, and with her husband operated a livery stable in historic Demersville.

[6] The nearest higher peak is Mount Vaught, 1.38 miles (2.22 km) to the northeast.

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Stanton Mountain is located in a subarctic climate zone characterized by long, usually very cold winters, and short, cool to mild summers.

Formed in shallow seas, this sedimentary rock was initially uplifted beginning 170 million years ago when the Lewis Overthrust fault pushed an enormous slab of precambrian rocks 3 mi (4.8 km) thick, 50 miles (80 km) wide and 160 miles (260 km) long over younger rock of the cretaceous period.