Trappers Peak

Trappers Peak is a 5,966-foot (1,818 m) elevation mountain summit located in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is situated within North Cascades National Park, Stephen Mather Wilderness, and Whatcom County. It rises steeply above Lower Thornton Lake which is set at the southwestern face of the mountain.[4] Like many North Cascades peaks, Trappers Peak is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Topographic relief is significant as the southeast aspect rises 5,500 feet (1,700 m) above the North Cascades Highway in approximately two miles. The nearest higher neighbor is Thornton Peak, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the northwest, Mount Triumph is two miles to the northwest, and Newhalem is three miles to the east-southeast.[1] Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skagit River. The summit of Trappers Peak is known for its grand view of the jagged peaks of the Picket Range.

Trappers Peak
Trappers Peak, southwest aspect
Highest point
Elevation5,966 ft (1,818 m)[1]
Prominence566 ft (173 m)[1]
Parent peakX Mountain (5,980 ft)[2]
Isolation0.48 mi (0.77 km)[2]
Coordinates48°41′18″N 121°19′21″W[3]
Geography
Trappers Peak is located in Washington (state)
Trappers Peak
Trappers Peak
Location in Washington
Trappers Peak is located in the United States
Trappers Peak
Trappers Peak
Trappers Peak (the United States)
LocationNorth Cascades National Park
Whatcom County, Washington, U.S.
Parent rangeNorth Cascades
Topo mapUSGS Mount Triumph
Climbing
Easiest routescrambling

Climate

Trappers Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[5] 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 (Orographic lift). As a result, the west side of the North Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall.[5] 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.[5] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in avalanche danger.[5]

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.[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 the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[6] 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.

  • Trappers Peak and lower Thornton Lake from northwest
    Trappers Peak and lower Thornton Lake from northwest
  • Looking south at Trappers Peak (centered), Mt. Triumph in upper right corner.
    Looking south at Trappers Peak (centered), Mt. Triumph in upper right corner.
  • Picket Range from Trappers Peak
    Picket Range from Trappers Peak
  • Picket Range from Trappers Peak
    Picket Range from Trappers Peak
  • Mts. Triumph, Despair, and the Pickets from Trappers Peak
    Mts. Triumph, Despair, and the Pickets from Trappers Peak
  • Newhalem, Washington seen from Trappers Peak
    Newhalem, Washington seen from Trappers Peak

See also

Geography of the North Cascades

References
  1. "Trappers Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. "Trappers Peak - 5,966' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  3. "Trappers Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  4. Beckey, Fred W. (2008). Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 3: Rainy Pass to Fraser River (3rd ed.). ISBN 9780898864236., page 92.
  5. Beckey, Fred W. (1996). Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 2: Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass (2nd ed.). ISBN 978-0-89886-838-8.
  6. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
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