Mineral Mountain (Washington)
Mineral Mountain is a 6,800-foot (2,100-metre) mountain summit in the Skagit Range of the North Cascades of Washington state.[3] Mineral Mountain is situated in North Cascades National Park and the summit offers views of Mount Shuksan, Icy Peak, and the Picket Range. Easy Peak is set 2 mi (3.2 km) to the east, and the nearest higher neighbor is Ruth Mountain, 3.06 mi (4.92 km) to the west.[1] Precipitation runoff from Mineral Mountain finds its way north into the Chilliwack River, and south into the Baker River.
| Mineral Mountain | |
|---|---|
 Mineral Mountain seen from Copper Ridge | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,800+ ft (2,070+ m) [1] |
| Prominence | 2,080 ft (630 m) [1] |
| Parent peak | Ruth Mountain (7,115 ft)[2] |
| Isolation | 3.15 mi (5.07 km) [2] |
| Coordinates | 48°51′35″N 121°27′49″W [1] |
| Geography | |
  Mineral Mountain Location in Washington  Mineral Mountain Mineral Mountain (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 | Scramble |
Climate
Mineral Mountain 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 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. 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] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[3] 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.[4] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[4] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[4]
During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[4] 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
- "Mineral Mountain, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
- "Mineral Mountain - 6,820' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- 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: Mineral Mountain
- North Cascades National Park National Park Service