Easy Peak
Easy Peak is a 6,613-foot (2,016-metre) mountain summit in the Skagit Range of the North Cascades, in Whatcom County of Washington state.[3][4] Easy Peak is situated in North Cascades National Park, and is often climbed during the Easy Ridge approach to Mount Challenger and the remote northern Pickets. Its nearest higher neighbor is Mineral Mountain, 2 mi (3.2 km) to the west, and Whatcom Peak is set 2.1 mi (3.4 km) to the east.[1] Glacierets line the north slope of Easy Ridge between Easy Peak and Whatcom Peak. Precipitation runoff from this peak drains north into the Chilliwack River, or south into headwaters of the Baker River.
| Easy Peak | |
|---|---|
 Northwest aspect seen from Copper Ridge (Picket Range behind) | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,613 ft (2,016 m) [1] |
| Prominence | 373 ft (114 m) [1] |
| Parent peak | Mineral Mountain (6,800+ ft)[2] |
| Isolation | 1.98 mi (3.19 km) [2] |
| Coordinates | 48°51′34″N 121°25′13″W [1] |
| Geography | |
  Easy Peak Location in Washington  Easy Peak Easy Peak (the United States) | |
| Location | North Cascades National Park Whatcom County, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascade Range North Cascades Skagit Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Blum |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | class 2 hiking |
Climate
Easy Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[4] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach the North Cascades, 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. 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] The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.
Geology
The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, 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. These climate differences lead to vegetation variety defining the ecoregions in this area.
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 are 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.
References
- "Easy Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
- "Easy Peak - 6,613' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
- "Easy Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
- Beckey, Fred W. (2008). Cascade Alpine Guide, Vol. 3, Rainy Pass to Fraser River (3rd ed.). Mountaineers Books. ISBN 978-1-59485-136-0.
- Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
External links
- Weather forecast: Easy Peak
- North Cascades National Park National Park Service