Mount Thomson

Mount Thomson
Mount Thomson
	Mount Thomson
Highest point
Elevation	6,554 ft (1,998 m)
Prominence	1,514 ft (461 m)
Parent peak	Chikamin Peak
Isolation	2.33 mi (3.75 km)
Coordinates	47°28′20″N121°21′39″W / 47.472323°N 121.360711°W
Geography
	Mount Thomson Location in Washington Mount Thomson Mount Thomson (the United States)
Country	United States
State	Washington
County	King
Protected area	Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Parent range	Cascade Range
Topo map	USGS Chikamin Peak
Geology
Type of rock	Keechelus andesite
Climbing
First ascent	1917 Joe Hazard, B. French
Easiest route	Scrambling East Ridge

Last updated January 07, 2024

Mount Thomson is a prominent 6,554-foot-elevation (1,998-meter) mountain summit in eastern King County of Washington state.^[4]

Description

Mount Thomson is part of the Cascade Range and is a half-mile east of the crest of the range. Thomson is situated 4 mi (6.4 km) northeast of Snoqualmie Pass in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff on the mountain drains into the Middle Fork of Snoqualmie River. The nearest peak is Alaska Mountain 0.81 mi (1.30 km) to the southeast, and the nearest higher peak is Chikamin Peak, 2.08 mi (3.35 km) to the east.^[1] The mountain was named for Reginald Heber Thomson (1856-1949), a Seattle city engineer who reshaped the face of Seattle.^[3] This landform's toponym was spelled "Thompson" until the correct spelling was officially adopted in 1981 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.^[4] The first ascent of the peak was made in 1917 by Joe Hazard and B. French.

Climate

Mount Thomson is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.^[3] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades (Orographic lift). As a result, the west side of the 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.^[3] 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.^[3] The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.

Geology

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks and ridges, deep glacial valleys, and granite walls spotted with over 700 mountain lakes.^[5] Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.^[6] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.^[6] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.^[6]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured and shaped the landscape.^[6] The last glacial retreat in the Alpine Lakes area began about 14,000 years ago and was north of the Canada–US border by 10,000 years ago.^[6] The U-shaped cross section of the river valleys is a result of that 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 Alpine Lakes Wilderness area.

Gallery

Mount Thomson in winter
Mount Thomson
Joe Lake, Mt. Thomson, Huckleberry Mountain (right).
Camera pointed west.
Mount Thomson

Related Research Articles

Mount Hinman is located on the border of Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests in the U.S. state of Washington. Mount Hinman is less than 2 mi (3.2 km) west of Mount Daniel and both are within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Hinman Glacier is situated on the north flank of Mount Hinman and Foss Glacier is to the northeast. The mountain was named in 1934 for Dr. Harry B. Hinman, a founder of the Everett branch of The Mountaineers club.

Red Mountain is a 5,890-foot (1,800-metre) mountain summit located in King County of Washington state. It is set within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness which is part of the Cascade Range. Red Mountain is situated three miles north of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Lundin Peak, 0.7 mi (1.1 km) to the northwest. Precipitation runoff on the north side of the mountain drains into Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, whereas the south side of the mountain drains into the South Fork Snoqualmie River via Commonwealth Creek.

Chair Peak is a 6,238 ft (1,900 m) mountain summit located in east King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is set within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Chair Peak is situated three miles northwest of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. Chair Peak is located immediately south of Snow Lake which is a popular hiking destination. The nearest higher neighbor is Kaleetan Peak, 0.57 miles (0.92 km) to the west-northwest.

Kaleetan Peak is a prominent 6,259-foot (1,908-metre) mountain summit located in King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Kaleetan Peak is situated four miles northwest of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It's immediately west of Melakwa Pass and Chair Peak, and north of Melakwa Lake. Precipitation runoff on the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. The nearest higher peak is Snoqualmie Mountain, 2.89 miles (4.65 km) to the east. The mountain's name "Kaleetan" derives from Chinook Jargon which means "arrow".

Garfield Mountain, also known as Mount Garfield, is a multi-peak summit located in King County of Washington state. It's located on the western edge of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Garfield is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. Topographic relief is significant as it rises over 4,400 feet above the river in approximately one mile. The mountain's name honors James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.

Lundin Peak is a summit located in King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Lundin Peak is situated three miles north of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Originally called Snoqualmie Little Sister, the peak's name was changed in 1931 to honor district forest ranger John Lundin. Lundin Peak is a high point on a ridge located midway between Snoqualmie Mountain and Red Mountain. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River.

Huckleberry Mountain is a 6,320+ ft summit located on the shared border of King County and Kittitas County in Washington state.

Preacher Mountain is a broad summit located in King County of Washington state. It's located at the western edge of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher peak is Kaleetan Peak, 3.11 miles (5.01 km) to the southeast. The Pulpit is situated 2.19 miles to the northwest. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River.

Summit Chief Mountain is a 7,464-foot (2,275-meter) mountain summit located on the county line separating King County and Kittitas County in Washington state. It is entirely within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Summit Chief Mountain is situated on the crest of the Cascade Range, nine miles northeast of Snoqualmie Pass. Precipitation runoff from the west side of the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River, whereas the east side drains into tributaries of the Yakima River. The nearest higher peak is Chimney Rock, 1.29 miles (2.08 km) to the southwest.

Hibox Mountain is a 6,547-foot (1,996-metre) mountain summit located in the Cascade Range in Kittitas County of Washington state. It is situated within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on land managed by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The mountain's name "Hibox" is a portmanteau which is derived from its position as the high point of Box Ridge. The peak is five miles east of Snoqualmie Pass, and Alta Mountain lies 1.5 miles to the west-northwest of Hibox. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Box Canyon Creek and Mineral Creek which both empty to Kachess Lake.

Mount Defiance is a 5,584-foot (1,702-metre) mountain summit located in King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Mount Defiance is situated 6.5 mi (10.5 km) west of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff on the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. The nearest higher peak is Granite Mountain, 3.96 mi (6.37 km) to the east-southeast, and Bandera Mountain is 1.85 mi (2.98 km) to the southeast. Mount Defiance can be reached by trail, with access via the Ira Spring, Talapus Lake, or Pratt Lake trailheads.

Big Snow Mountain is a prominent 6,680-foot (2,040-metre) mountain summit located 7 mi (11 km) north of Snoqualmie Pass in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in eastern King County of Washington state. It is part of the Cascade Range and is situated on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers. The nearest higher peak is Overcoat Peak, 3.75 mi (6.04 km) to the east-southeast.

Terrace Mountain is a 6,361-foot (1,939-metre) mountain summit located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in eastern King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is situated on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The peak is situated 4 mi (6.4 km) north of Mount Daniel, and is surrounded by Lake Clarice, Marmot Lake, Ptarmigan Lakes, and the Terrace Lakes. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skykomish River. The mountain's descriptive name stems from the terrace-like appearance created by a series of benches on its east aspect.

Alaska Mountain is a 5,745-foot (1,751-metre) mountain summit located in the Cascade Range, in Kittitas County of Washington state. It is situated within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on land managed by Wenatchee National Forest. Alaska Mountain is set between Alaska Lake and Joe Lake, 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Snoqualmie Pass, and 0.81 miles (1.30 km) southeast of Mount Thomson, which is also its nearest higher peak. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses around the south, east and north slopes of Alaska Mountain, and an off-trail hike leads to the summit. Precipitation runoff on the east side of the mountain drains into tributaries of the Yakima River, whereas the west side of the peak drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River.

Mount Roosevelt is a 5,835-foot (1,779-metre) mountain summit located 6 mi (10 km) northwest of Snoqualmie Pass, in east King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is situated within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Roosevelt is set above the western shore of Snow Lake, and 2 mi (3 km) immediately north of Kaleetan Peak, which is its nearest higher neighbor. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. This mountain's name was officially adopted in 1989 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

Malachite Peak is a 6,261-foot (1,908-metre) mountain summit located 5.5 mi (8.9 km) south of Skykomish, in eastern King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range, and is situated one mile north of Lake Malachite in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skykomish River. The nearest higher neighbor is Camp Robber Peak, 3.66 mi (5.89 km) to the south. The first ascent of this peak may have been in 1937 by a team from the United States Geological Survey. The USGS named the peak about 1975 based on a triangulation station marked as "Malachite".

Surprise Mountain is a 6,330-foot (1,930-metre) mountain summit located above the southern end of Glacier Lake, in eastern King County of Washington state. It's part of the Wenatchee Mountains, which are a subset of the Cascade Range, and is situated in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Surprise Creek and Deception Creek, both tributaries of the Skykomish River. The nearest higher neighbor is Thunder Mountain, 0.88 mi (1.42 km) to the northeast, and Terrace Mountain is set 3 mi (4.8 km) to the southwest. The Pacific Crest Trail skirts this peak as it passes through Surprise Gap.

Burnt Boot Peak is a 6,520+ ft mountain summit located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in eastern King County of Washington state. The peak is part of the Cascade Range and is one mile east of the crest of the range. Burnt Boot Peak is situated 6.5 mi (10.5 km) northeast of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Huckleberry Mountain is set 1.87 mi (3.01 km) to the south, and the nearest higher neighbor is Lemah Mountain, 1.34 mi (2.16 km) to the east. This unofficially-named mountain is located at the head of the officially-named Burnboot Creek, variant spelling Burntboot Creek. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains south into this creek, or north into Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. The first ascent of this peak was made in August 1963 by Phil Weiser and Clarke Stockwell. The first ascent via the north ridge route was made in June 1971 by Don Williamson, Tom Oas, and Bill Bucher.

La Bohn Peak is a 6,585-foot (2,007-metre) mountain summit located two miles north of Dutch Miller Gap, in east King County of Washington state. It is situated at the head of Necklace Valley, in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. La Bohn Peak is set west of La Bohn Lakes and La Bohn Gap, and one mile west of the crest of the Cascade Range. Precipitation runoff from the south side of the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River, whereas the north side drains into tributaries of the Foss River. The nearest higher neighbor is Mount Hinman, 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the east, Little Big Chief Mountain is set 2.3 miles (3.7 km) to the south, and Iron Cap Mountain sits 1.77 miles (2.85 km) to the west.

Iron Cap Mountain is a 6,347-foot (1,935-metre) mountain summit located two miles west-northwest of Dutch Miller Gap, in east King County of Washington state. It is situated in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Iron Cap Mountain is set two miles west of the crest of the Cascade Range. Precipitation runoff from the south side of the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River, whereas the north side drains into tributaries of the Foss River. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant since Iron Cap rises 2,500 feet above the Middle Fork Snoqalmie River Valley in less than one mile. Its neighbors include La Bohn Peak, 1.77 miles (2.85 km) to the east, and Little Big Chief Mountain, 2.14 miles (3.44 km) to the southeast.

References

1 2 3 4 "Mount Thomson, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
1 2 "Thomson, Mount - 6,554' WA". Lists of John. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
1 2 3 4 5 Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
1 2 "Mount Thomson". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved 2021-01-28.
↑ Smoot, Jeff (2004). Backpacking Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Helena, Montana: The Globe Pequot Press.
1 2 3 4 5 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.

External links

Mount Thomson Weather forecast
Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest) U.S. Forest Service
Thomson, Reginald Heber (1856-1949) HistoryLink.org

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
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[pb-1] 1 2 3 4 "Mount Thomson, Washington". Peakbagger.com.

[listsofjohn-2] 1 2 "Thomson, Mount - 6,554' WA". Lists of John. Retrieved 2021-01-25.

[Beckey,_Fred_W_2008-3] 1 2 3 4 5 Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.

[gnis-4] 1 2 "Mount Thomson". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved 2021-01-28.

[smoot-5] Smoot, Jeff (2004). Backpacking Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Helena, Montana: The Globe Pequot Press.

[Kruckeberg-6] 1 2 3 4 5 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.

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