Cascade Peak

Last updated
Cascade Peak
Cascade Peak, North Cascades National Park.jpg
Cascade Peak seen from Sahale Arm
Highest point
Elevation 7,428 ft (2,264 m) [1]
Prominence 628 ft (191 m) [1]
Parent peak Johannesburg Mountain (8200 ft)
Isolation 0.55 mi (0.89 km) [2]
Coordinates 48°27′48″N121°04′49″W / 48.46345°N 121.080324°W / 48.46345; -121.080324 [1]
Geography
USA Washington relief location map.jpg
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Cascade Peak
Location in Washington
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Cascade Peak
Cascade Peak (the United States)
CountryUnited States
State Washington
County Skagit
Protected area North Cascades National Park
Glacier Peak Wilderness
Parent range North Cascades
Cascade Range
Topo map USGS Cascade Pass
Geology
Type of rock Breccia
Climbing
First ascent July 23, 1950 by Fred Beckey, Pete Schoening, Phil Sharpe [3]
Easiest route glacier travel, class 3-4 scrambling [3]

Cascade Peak is a 7,428-foot (2,264-metre) mountain summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. It is in the North Cascades, which is a subrange of the Cascade Range. The peak is situated above Cascade Pass, on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness. The nearest higher peak is Johannesburg Mountain, 0.53 miles (0.85 km) to the west-southwest, and The Triplets stand guard 0.35 miles (0.56 km) to the east-southeast. [1] Surface runoff from the mountain drains into the Cascade River.

Contents

Climate

Cascade Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America. [3] Weather fronts originating in the Pacific Ocean travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach the North Cascades, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range (orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades. As a result, the west side of the North Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger. [4] During winter months, weather is usually cloudy, but due to high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean that intensify during summer months, there is often little or no cloud cover during the summer. [4]

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks and ridges, and deep glacial valleys. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

Cascade Peak from Cascade Pass trail Cascade Peak in the North Cascades.jpg
Cascade Peak from Cascade Pass trail

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch. [5] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted. [5] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago. [5]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris. [5] The U-shaped cross section of the river valleys is a result of recent glaciation. Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the North Cascades area. Small glacier remnants remain on the north side of Cascade Peak.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bacon Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Bacon Peak is a mountain located in North Cascades National Park, in the Cascade range in the U.S. state of Washington. Its glaciers cover 1.2 square miles (3.2 km2); the three main glaciers are Diobsud Creek Glacier, Green Lake Glacier and Noisy Creek Glacier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Klawatti Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Klawatti Peak is located in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Klawatti Peak is a nunatak, a peak surrounded by glaciers. These are Klawatti Glacier to the east, McAllister Glacier to the northwest and Inspiration Glacier to the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Primus Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Primus Peak is located in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Primus Peak is flanked by North Klawatti Glacier to the south and Borealis Glacier to the northeast. Tricouni Peak is situated immediately east of Primus Peak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sinister Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Sinister Peak is in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests in the U.S. state of Washington. It is situated in Glacier Peak Wilderness and the North Cascades. Not quite 1 mi (1.6 km) east of Dome Peak, Sinister Peak is along a high ridge connecting the two peaks. The Chickamin Glacier is on the north slopes of Sinister Peak while the Garden Glacier is just southeast. Though some of the routes to the summit are technical, it can be reached by a moderate scramble.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatcom Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Whatcom Peak is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Whatcom Peak is .50 mi (0.80 km) north of Challenger Glacier and the Whatcom Glacier descends from the northeast slopes of the peak. An unnamed hanging glacier descends along the northwest flank of the peak. This mountain is set between Mount Challenger and Easy Peak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kimtah Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Kimtah Peak, elevation 8,600+ feet, is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Kimtah Peak is a summit along a ridge known as Ragged Ridge. Kimtah Glacier is on the northwest slopes of the peak, while Katsuk Glacier is to the northeast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McMillan Spire</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

McMillan Spire is a mountain peak in the Picket Range in the U.S. state of Washington and within North Cascades National Park. The peak lies .75 mi (1.21 km) east of Mount Degenhardt, and 0.47 mi (0.76 km) east of Inspiration Peak. The subpeak known as East McMillan Spire is .14 mi (0.23 km) east of McMillan Spire and they are collectively referred to as the McMillan Spires. The Terror Glacier lies to the west of the peak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snowfield Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Snowfield Peak is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Located in the south unit of the park, Snowfield Peak is .70 mi (1.13 km) east of the summit known as Horsemans Pack and the Neve Glacier descends from the north slopes of the mountain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neve Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Neve Peak is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Located in the south unit of the park, Neve Peak is .66 mi (1.06 km) west of Colonial Peak. The Neve Glacier is just south of Neve Peak while the Colonial Glacier descends from the north slopes of the mountain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austera Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Austera Peak is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Located in the south unit of the park, Austera Peak is about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Klawatti Peak and the same distance south of Primus Peak. The North Klawatti Glacier, Klawatti Glacier and the north section of McAllister Glacier all descend from the slopes of Austera Peak. Austera Peak is the highpoint along an arête known as Austera Towers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trapper Mountain</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Trapper Mountain is a 7,530-foot (2,300-metre) summit located in Chelan County of Washington state. It is part of the North Cascades Range. Trapper Mountain is situated southeast of Cascade Pass on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness. The nearest higher peak is Hurry-up Peak, 0.92 miles (1.48 km) to the west. Surface runoff from the mountain drains into Trapper Lake and tributaries of the Stehekin River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Triplets (Washington)</span>

The Triplets is a 7,240+ ft summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. This breccia triple pinnacle is part of the North Cascades. The Triplets is situated above Cascade Pass on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness. The nearest higher neighbor is Cascade Peak, 0.35 miles (0.56 km) to the west-northwest. Surface runoff from the mountain drains into the Cascade River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magic Mountain (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Magic Mountain is a 7,610-foot (2,320-metre) mountain summit located on the shared boundary of Skagit County and Chelan County in Washington state. It is part of the North Cascades, a subset of the Cascade Range. Magic Mountain is situated southeast of Cascade Pass on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness. The nearest peak is Pelton Peak 0.4 miles (0.64 km) to the northeast, and the nearest higher peak is Hurry-up Peak 0.83 miles (1.34 km) to the south. The Yawning Glacier and Cache Col Glacier rest on its northern flank. Magic Mountain is at the northern end of the Ptarmigan Traverse. Surface runoff on the north side the mountain drains into the Stehekin River, while precipitation drains into the Cascade River from the southwest side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mix-up Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Mix-up Peak, also known as Mixup Peak, is a 7,440-foot (2,270-metre) mountain summit located on the shared boundary of Skagit County and Chelan County in Washington state. It is part of the North Cascades Range and is situated one mile south of Cascade Pass on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness. The nearest higher peak is Magic Mountain, 1.02 miles (1.64 km) to the east-southeast. Mix-up Peak is at the northern end of the Ptarmigan Traverse which is an alpine route to remote mountains such as Mount Formidable and Dome Peak. The Cache Glacier occupies a cirque below its eastern flank. Surface runoff on the east side the mountain drains into the Stehekin River, whereas precipitation runoff drains into the Cascade River from the west side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rainy Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Rainy Peak is a 7,768 ft (2,368 m) summit in the Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located 3 kilometers south of Rainy Pass and one kilometer southeast of Frisco Mountain on the borders of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and North Cascades National Park. Its nearest higher peak is Corteo Peak, 2.33 mi (3.75 km) to the northwest. Precipitation runoff from Rainy Peak drains into Rainy Lake and tributaries of Bridge Creek. The retreating Lyall Glacier in its north cirque contributes to waterfalls which tumble 1,000 ft (300 m) into Rainy Lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inspiration Peak (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Inspiration Peak is a 7,891-foot (2,405-metre) mountain summit located in the Picket Range within North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington. The peak lies 0.28 mi (0.45 km) east of Mount Degenhardt, and 0.47 mi (0.76 km) west of McMillan Spires. Terror Glacier remnants lie to the south of the peaks, and the McMillan Cirque glaciers hang on the north slopes. The first ascent of Inspiration Peak was made in 1940 by Fred Beckey and his brother Helmy via the West Ridge. Inspiration Peak can be seen from the North Cascades National Park Newhalem visitor center, weather permitting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tricouni Peak (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Tricouni Peak is an 8,102-foot (2,469-metre) mountain summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. It is situated in North Cascades National Park, north of the North Klawatti Glacier and southeast of the Borealis Glacier. The nearest higher peak is Primus Peak, 0.54 mi (0.87 km) to the west. Precipitation runoff from Tricouni drains into Thunder Creek. The peak is named for the tricouni which was used for traction on ice, and the approach to the peak involves traversing a glacier.

Kololo Peaks is an 8,200+ ft mountain located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the North Cascades in Washington state. The mountain is situated on the crest of the Cascade Range, on the shared border of Snohomish County and Chelan County, and also straddling the boundary between Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest. The nearest higher peak is Glacier Peak, 3.29 mi (5.29 km) to the north. Precipitation runoff and meltwater from the White River Glacier on the southeast slope drains into White River. On the west slope, the White Chuck Glacier drains into the White Chuck River, and the Suiattle Glacier and Honeycomb Glacier on the north and east sides drain into the Suiattle River. Surrounded by these glaciers, Fred Beckey in his Cascade Alpine Guide describes the mountain as being almost a nunatak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spider Mountain</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Spider Mountain is an 8,286-foot (2,526-metre) mountain summit located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness in western Chelan County of Washington state. It is part of the North Cascades, which is a subset of the Cascade Range. Meltwater from the Spider Glacier on the steep north face, and other surface runoff from the mountain drains into Flat Creek, which is a tributary of the Stehekin River. The nearest higher neighbor is Mount Formidable 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the west. The Middle Cascade Glacier lies between these two mountains, and the Ptarmigan Traverse passes through also.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glory Mountain</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Glory Mountain is a 7,228-foot (2,203-metre) mountain summit located in the North Cascades Range in Chelan County of Washington state. Glory Mountain is situated southeast of Trapper Lake on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness. The nearest higher peak is Trapper Mountain, 1.72 miles (2.77 km) to the west. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Cottonwood Creek and Flat Creek, both tributaries of the Stehekin River. An unofficially named secondary peak called Halleluja Peak 7,120+ ft lies 0.32 miles (0.51 km) to the west of the summit.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Cascade Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. "Cascade Peak - 7,428' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-02-02.
  3. 1 2 3 Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
  4. 1 2 Beckey, p. 16
  5. 1 2 3 4 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.