Cascade Mountain (Alberta) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cascade Mountain
Cascade Mountain as seen from Mount Rundle Summit
Highest point
Elevation	2,998 m (9,836 ft)
Prominence	938 m (3,077 ft)
Listing	Mountains of Alberta
Geography
Cascade Mountain Location in Alberta
Parent range	Vermillion Range
Topo map	NTS 82O/04
Climbing
First ascent	1887 by Tom Wilson
Easiest route	Scramble

Cascade Mountain is a tall mountain in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It stands right next to the town of Banff. The mountain got its name in 1858 from James Hector. He named it after a beautiful waterfall on its southern side.

Cascade Mountain has also been called Stoney Chief in the past. This name is connected to a smaller mountain nearby called Stoney Squaw, which still uses that name. Cascade Mountain is the highest peak right next to the town of Banff.

Cascade Mountain and the town of Banff

Climbing Cascade Mountain

Northern lights above Cascade Mountain

You can climb Cascade Mountain starting from the Norquay Ski Area. The first part of the climb is a fairly easy hike. It takes you up to a place called the Cascade Amphitheatre.

Reaching the Summit

After the amphitheatre, the path goes along the edge of a ridge. It dips down before rising again to a "false summit." A false summit looks like the top but isn't the true peak. You can go over this false summit, but it's usually easier to walk around its western side.

When to Climb

Snow often blocks parts of this route until mid-July. If there's snow, it can be risky because of possible avalanches. It's super important to check the weather before you go. You should plan for a full day of clear weather. Many climbers have needed help or gotten into trouble when storms suddenly appeared.

How Long Does it Take?

Climbing up usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. Coming back down the same way takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Other Climbing Routes

There are also more challenging ways to climb Cascade Mountain. One route is on the southwest ridge. It was first climbed in 1977 by Jean Pierre Cadot and René Boisselle. This route involves rock climbing and is more difficult.

Images for kids

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  Cascade Mountain as seen from Mount Rundle Summit