Cupalo Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cupalo Rock |
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Cupalo Rock seen from Chinook Pass
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,593 ft (2,010 m) |
| Prominence | 193 ft (59 m) |
| Geography | |
 Cupalo Rock
Location in Washington (state)
Cupalo Rock
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pierce County, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Norse Peak |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1965, John Brottem and party |
| Easiest route | Climbing class 5 |
Cupalo Rock is a cool mountain peak in Washington state. It stands tall at 6,593 feet (about 2,010 meters) above sea level. You can find it in Yakima County, near the famous Cascade Range. This peak is a popular spot for adventurers and offers amazing views of the surrounding nature.
Cupalo Rock is located about two miles north of Chinook Pass. It is also just east of the main ridge of the Cascade Range. The closest taller peak is Three Way Peak, which is less than half a mile away. If you want to climb Cupalo Rock, you can usually get there from the Pacific Crest Trail at Sourdough Gap. Water from Cupalo Rock flows into streams that feed the American River.
Weather at Cupalo Rock
Cupalo Rock is in a special weather area called the marine west coast climate zone. This means it gets a lot of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. Most weather systems come from the Pacific and move towards the Cascade Mountains.
How Mountains Affect Weather
When these weather systems hit the tall Cascade Mountains, they are forced to rise. As the air goes higher, it cools down. This cooling causes the moisture in the air to turn into rain or snow. This process is called orographic lift. Because of this, the western side of the Cascades gets a lot of rain and snow, especially in winter.
Winter and Summer Weather
During winter, there is often a lot of snow. The snow can get so deep that the highway through Chinook Pass closes. This usually happens from November to May. In the summer, the weather is often clear and sunny. This is because of high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean. These systems help keep clouds away during the warmer months.
