The Cabinet Mountains share many similarities with the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. The range's foundation is Precambrian Belt Supergroup rocks, which were carved and shaped by Pleistocene glaciation. Many peaks are high dome-shaped mountains, while a few, like Scotchman Peak, are sharp, sheer-edged summits reminiscent of the North Cascades. Summit elevations range between 6,000 and 7,000 feet; 7,009-foot Scotchman Peak is the highest Cabinet summit.