Castle Mountain (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle Mountain |
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South aspect
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,680 ft (2,040 m) |
| Prominence | 520 ft (160 m) |
| Isolation | 0.89 mi (1.43 km) |
| Geography | |
 Castle Mountain
Location in Washington (state)
Castle Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pierce County, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Norse Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | scrambling |
Castle Mountain is a tall mountain in Pierce County, Washington state. It stands 6,680 feet (about 2,040 meters) high. This mountain is located right on the edge of the Norse Peak Wilderness. It is also part of the land managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Castle Mountain is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of the Crystal Mountain ski area. It is also just one mile west of the main ridge of the Cascade Range. A famous hiking path called the Pacific Crest Trail goes along the eastern side of Castle Mountain's Southeast Peak. All the rain and snow that falls on Castle Mountain eventually flows into the White River.
Weather and Climate
Castle Mountain is in a part of western North America known for its "marine west coast" climate. This means it gets a lot of moisture from the ocean. Most of the weather systems that bring rain and snow start over the Pacific Ocean. They then travel northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.
As these weather systems reach the tall Cascade peaks, they are forced to rise. This process makes them drop their moisture as rain or snow onto the mountains. Because of this, the western side of the Cascades gets a lot of precipitation. This is especially true during the winter months, when heavy snowfall is common.
The snow here tends to be wet and heavy due to the ocean's influence. This can sometimes lead to a higher risk of avalanches. During winter, the weather is often cloudy. However, in the summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean usually bring clear skies. The best months to visit Castle Mountain for views or climbing are usually July, August, and September.
