Cascade Mountains: where they are, description

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

The Cascade Mountains, which will be discussed in our article, are part of the fiery belt located in the Pacific Ocean. Centuries ago, the Cascade range, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps in appearance, erupted burning lava. Today, volcanoes are inactive, but sometimes they still bring unpleasant surprises.

Natural landmark of North America

The mountain range, the slopes of which are cut by several rivers that form waterfalls, is part of the Cordillera system. Its length is one thousand kilometers. Where are the Cascade Mountains located? They are located on the North American continent. Cascades made of volcanic rocks start in Northern California and end far beyond the US - in the Canadian province of British Columbia. They cross two states - Oregon and Washington.

Kilometer-long ridges of the Cascade range are formed by the cones of extinct volcanoes. Dozens of national parks and nature reserves exist along the mountain range, covered with coniferous forests, where millions of people spend their time.

Mountains and waterfalls

The local attraction got its name because of the waterfalls (cascades), which are formed by rivers that make their way through the mountains. Cascades lakes scenic byway runs along it, and tourists passing along it can enjoy amazing scenery.

The peaks of the Cascade Mountains in the USA are extinct volcanoes Hood, Tacoma, Adams, Jefferson. In addition, there are active fire-breathing giants - Rainier and Shasta, who look quite intimidating from afar. There are 13 active volcanoes located within the mountain range.

Washington State Business Card

The highest mountain is Rainier (4392 meters). The dormant volcano, which the Indians called "Tahoma", is crowned with numerous glaciers and eternal snow. In the event of an eruption, water carrying huge pieces of rock will sweep away all life in its path. The highest point of the mountain range is the main attraction of Mount Rainier National Park (Washington).

The top of Rainier collapsed after the eruption and from afar seems to be cut, but in fact it is not flat: it has three craters and three peaks. The volcano dominating the area is dangerous, but while it sleeps, tourists can safely walk along its slopes, admiring the unique beauty.

National Park

Mount Rainier, founded in 1899, welcomes about one million visitors a year. The excursion, which is held in the summer, takes into the world of age-old giant trees, flowering alpinemeadows, powerful glaciers and murmuring ice streams. A wonderful wilderness located in the Cascade Mountains in North America, is a popular vacation spot for Americans and visitors to the country.

It must be said that even in winter, visitors who are attracted by excellent opportunities for outdoor activities are more than enough. You can go skiing on the mountain slopes, as well as go on an exciting snowshoe hike, which allows you not to fall into the snow.

Natural disaster

In 1980, the active stratovolcano St. Helens woke up in Washington state, throwing out more than 500 million tons of ash and killing 57 people. Scientists observing the geological formation underestimated the scale of a possible catastrophe, experienced specialists could not predict the behavior of the terrifying giant. Now the volcano is sleeping, and one can only hope that it has completely died out, and does not accumulate strength in order to demonstrate its power in the future.

You can't relax

The Cascade Mountains are less active than other areas of the Pacific ring of fire, according to the US Geological Survey, but they have not yet completed their formation period. This fact is evidenced by the eruption of St. Helens in the last century. And the inhabitants of America should not relax: if you analyze the activity of volcanoes, then it can be argued that the period of rest will not continue indefinitely.

Cascade lakes

On the territoryThe forest area hides crystal-clear lakes formed after the eruption of formidable volcanoes more than 15 thousand years ago. For several centuries, the earth boiled, and after a giant glacier came down to put out the fire, deep depressions formed, filled with water.

The cascading lakes along the mountain range are a true miraculous masterpiece that makes one admire the craftsmanship of nature. They are really beautiful, and it seems to travelers that they are in a real fairy tale. It is even surprising that such virgin corners still remain on our planet.

Famous hiking trail

There are 8 tunnels and 7 passes through the Cascade Mountains. Most of the mountain range is accessible only to hikers. River valleys cut through 4 highways and one road leads to Mount Rainier National Park.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the mountain range - the famous tourist route along the west coast of America. The hiking trail runs from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Inspiring to travel, it stretches for more than 4 thousand kilometers. And every year, hundreds of daredevils from all over the world attempt to pass it, spending three to six months on it.

On the route, any movement on all modes of transport is prohibited, even by bicycle. The best time to go is summer and early fall as the trail closes in winter.

Serious problem

Unfortunately, global warming is gradually destroying the existingecosystem of the Cascade Mountains, which have lost almost a quarter of their snow cover in 50 years. With the beginning of spring, the snow melts earlier than usual, and the trees take root very firmly. Dense forests appear on the mountain slopes, in place of the green meadows of the Mount Rainier Reserve. Overgrown trees threaten vegetation that dies in the shade. And it may happen that meadow grasses in this area will disappear forever.

Reviews of tourists

Travelers are sure to take photos of the Cascade Mountains, looking mesmerizing. Despite the fact that more than a thousand years have passed since the hot lava swept away everything in its path, local landscapes still conjure up amazing images of exploding mountain peaks. Dense spruce forests and lakes with a mirror surface, meadows sown with wild flowers and sonorous streams - all this is admirable.

Avid anglers simply adore the protected area, because many rivers originate here. The paradise is also famous for its lakes with clear water, where trout and salmon live. Fishing in the reserve is allowed all year round and any visitor can buy a fishing license.