Chopaka Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chopaka Mountain |
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View from top of Chopaka Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,887 ft (2,404 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 1,811 ft (552 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Okanogan County, Washington, United States |
| Parent range | Okanagan Range, North Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Hurley Peak |
Chopaka Mountain, also known as Mount Chopaka, is a tall peak located in the North Cascades mountain range. It sits on the side of the mountains that gets less wind and rain. This area is in Okanogan County, Washington, in the United States.
A special part of the mountain top is protected as a Natural Area Preserve. This preserve covers about 2,764 acres (1,119 hectares). It is home to a group of mountain goats and many rare plants. Long ago, the last native herd of bighorn sheep in Washington lived on Chopaka Mountain. However, they disappeared from the area by the 1920s.
What's in a Name?
Stories Behind the Name
The name Chopaka has interesting origins from the Okanagan people. According to records from British Columbia, Chopaka might be named after a hunter. This hunter was said to have been turned into stone by "coyote," a clever character in many Native American stories.
Another story says the name comes from a maiden who was also transformed into stone. These tales show the deep connection between the land and the local people's history.
Meaning of the Word
A well-known climbing guide author, Fred Beckey, gives another meaning for Chopaka. He says it is an Indigenous word that simply means "high mountain." This meaning certainly fits Chopaka Mountain, which stands tall in the North Cascades.
