Governors Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governors Ridge |
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Governors Ridge seen from the east near Tipsoo Lake
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,600 ft (2,000 m) |
| Prominence | 1,240 ft (380 m) |
| Geography | |
 Governors Ridge
Location in Washington (state)
Governors Ridge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mount Rainier National Park Pierce County, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Chinook Pass |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scrambling class 3 |
Governors Ridge is a mountain ridge found in Mount Rainier National Park in Pierce County, Washington state. It is part of the large Cascade Range mountain chain. This ridge is located west of Cayuse Pass and about 1.09 miles east of Tamanos Mountain, which is a taller peak nearby. The name "Governors Ridge" honors all the people who have served as governors of Washington state.
The highest rocky point on the ridge is called Governors Peak. There is also a unique 40-foot tall rock spire that leans, known as Governors Needle. At the very southern end of the ridge, you'll find Barrier Peak. People who want to climb or explore Governors Ridge usually start their journey from the Owyhigh Lakes Trail.
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Weather and Environment at Governors Ridge
Governors Ridge is located in a special type of weather area called the marine west coast climate zone. This means it gets a lot of moisture from the Pacific Ocean.
How Mountains Affect Weather
Most of the weather systems, like big clouds and storms, start over the Pacific Ocean. They then travel northeast towards the Cascade Mountains. As these weather systems reach the tall mountains, the air is forced to rise. This process is called Orographic lift.
When the air rises, it cools down. This cooling causes the moisture in the air to turn into rain or snow. This is why the western side of the Cascade Mountains gets a lot of precipitation (rain and snow).
Winter and Summer Conditions
During the winter months, the weather at Governors Ridge is usually cloudy. There is often a lot of snowfall. Because of the ocean's influence, the snow tends to be wet and heavy. This can sometimes lead to a high risk of avalanches, which are large slides of snow down a mountainside.
In the summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean become stronger. This often means there is very little or no cloud cover. The weather is usually clear and sunny.
Water Flow from the Ridge
The water from rain and melting snow on Governors Ridge flows into nearby rivers. This runoff drains into smaller streams that eventually join the White River and the Cowlitz River.
