The North Cascades are a part of the Cascade Mountain Range, a stunning volcanic expanse between the coastal range and the Rockies. Stretching from northern California to Canada, this range was forged by the collision of tectonic plates, creating a dramatic landscape marred with majestic mountains. Beneath the surface, cauldrons of magma brew, feeding the colossal active volcanoes that dominate the range. Situated in the northwest part of Washington State, the North Cascades stand out. What makes them special? They’re tall, rugged, glaciated, and breathtakingly beautiful. In fact, they are the most glaciated range in the contiguous United States. More glaciated than the Rockies? Absolutely—by a long shot!
However, unlike some of the more famous National Park wonders, the North Cascades are not as easily accessible for casual viewing. Consider the Grand Tetons in Wyoming: a magnificent mountain range where visitors can see multiple peaks and spires rising over 12,000 feet into the sky, right from the roadside. Pullouts provide convenient spots to stop and admire these awe-inspiring mountains. I climbed the tallest, the Grand Teton, at 13,776 feet. I ascended roughly 7,000 feet to reach the summit. Now, compare that to my climb in the North Cascades. I tackled Mount Terror, which stands at 8,031 feet. Despite its lower elevation, I had to climb roughly 7,500 feet to reach the top. How can this be? The Grand Teton is nearly 6,000 feet taller! The answer lies in the starting point. The valley floor below the Grand Tetons is at an elevation of 6,800 feet. In contrast, my climb of Mount Terror started at just 600 feet.
Let’s compare summits views, for fun…
Mount Terror
Pictures Taken August 12, 2023
Mt. Terror summit looking north
The Grand Teton
Pictures taken September 11, 2022
Grand Teton summit looking north
Mt. Terror summit looking south
Grand Teton summit looking south
Mt. Terror summit looking east
Grand Teton summit looking east
When we look at a scenic landscape the rise above its surroundings gives us a sense of its height. From their base to their summits, the peaks of the North Cascades are incredibly tall. The sheer number of towering peaks, glistening glaciers, cascading waterfalls, lush vibrant forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and unique wildlife is what gives the park its allure. The wide valley at the Tetons provides breathtaking views from the roadside, but the narrow valleys of the North Cascades, offer few places for such easy viewing. To truly appreciate the pristine beauty of the North Cascades, one must hike up to the viewpoints that showcase their majesty.
