Chiwaukum Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chiwaukum Mountains |
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The Chiwaukum Mountains (left and center skyline), looking south southeast, with Big Chiwaukum (8081 feet, 2463 m), the highest point
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Big Chiwaukum |
| Elevation | 2,463 m (8,081 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| District | Wenatchee National Forest |
| Parent range | Wenatchee Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Type of rock | schist |
The Chiwaukum Mountains are a beautiful mountain range located in central Washington, United States. They stretch from Snowgrass Mountain in the south to a point further north, forming a distinct north-south line. These mountains are part of the larger Wenatchee Mountains.
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Discovering the Chiwaukum Mountains
The Chiwaukum Mountains are a long chain of peaks. They run north to south in the middle of Washington state. You can find them within the Wenatchee National Forest.
How the Mountains Were Formed
The Chiwaukum Mountains are mostly made of a type of rock called schist. This schist is part of a larger rock area called the Nason terrane. A terrane is like a big piece of Earth's crust that has moved and joined with another.
The original rocks that formed this terrane were created about 210 million years ago. Later, this piece of land crashed into the western edge of North America. Around the same time, a huge blob of molten rock, called a batholith, pushed its way into the existing rocks. This happened during the late Cretaceous period. This hot, molten rock changed the existing rocks, turning them into the schist we see today.
The Chiwaukum Creek Fire
In July 2014, a large wildfire called the Chiwaukum Creek Fire burned parts of the eastern side of these mountains. It was started by lightning.
Notable Peaks of the Chiwaukum Mountains
The Chiwaukum Mountains are home to many impressive peaks. Here are some of the tallest ones:
- Big Chiwaukum – This is the highest point in the range, standing at 8,081 feet (2,463 meters).
- Snowgrass Mountain – This peak reaches 7,993 feet (2,436 meters).
- Big Lou – Standing at 7,780 feet (2,370 meters).
- Big Jim Mountain – This peak is 7,765 feet (2,367 meters) tall.
- Ladies Peak – Reaching 7,708 feet (2,349 meters).
- Grindstone Mountain – This peak is 7,533 feet (2,296 meters) high.
- Cape Horn – Standing at 7,316 feet (2,230 meters).
- Bulls Tooth – This peak is 6,840 feet (2,080 meters) tall.
Nearby Mountains to Explore
There are also other interesting peaks close to the Chiwaukum Mountains:
- Jim Hill Mountain – This mountain is 6,765 feet (2,062 meters) high.
- Arrowhead Mountain – Reaching 6,020 feet (1,835 meters).
- Cowboy Mountain – Standing at 5,853 feet (1,784 meters).
