Castle Mountain (Washington) Explained

Castle Mountain
Elevation Ft:6680.
Prominence Ft:520.
Isolation Mi:0.89
Isolation Ref:[1]
Country:United States
State:Washington
Region:Pierce
Region Type:County
Part Type:Protected area
Part:Norse Peak Wilderness
Range:Cascades
Map:Washington#USA
Map Size:270
Label Position:right
Coordinates:46.9875°N -121.4616°W
Topo:USGS Norse Peak

Castle Mountain is a 6680feet mountain summit located in Pierce County of Washington state.[2] It is set on the boundary of Norse Peak Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It is situated 3miles north of Crystal Mountain ski area, and one mile west of the crest of the Cascade Range. Precipitation runoff from Castle Mountain drains into tributaries of the White River. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the east slope of Castle's Southeast Peak.

Climate

Castle Mountain is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[3] Most weather fronts originating in the Pacific Ocean travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snow onto the Cascades. As a result, the west side of the 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. 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. The months of July through September offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Castle Mountain - 6,700' WA. listsofjohn.com. 2020-08-20.
  2. 1517470. Castle Mountain. 2020-08-20.
  3. Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.