Ives Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ives Peak |
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Southeast aspect
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,920+ ft (2,410+ m) |
| Prominence | 760 ft (230 m) |
| Geography | |
 Ives Peak
Location in Washington (state)
Ives Peak
Location in the United States
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| Location | Goat Rocks, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascade Range |
| Topo map | USGS Old Snowy Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Ives Peak is a cool mountain located in the Goat Rocks area of Washington, in the U.S.. It stands tall at about 7,920 feet (2,414 meters) above sea level. This peak is right on the border between Lewis and Yakima Counties.
Ives Peak is part of the amazing Goat Rocks Wilderness. This means it's a special place where nature is protected. You can also find the McCall Glacier on its eastern side. Plus, the famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes close by its western slopes. Ives Peak is actually the fourth highest mountain in the entire Goat Rocks Wilderness!
Contents
Discovering the Goat Rocks Wilderness
The Goat Rocks Wilderness is a huge area of protected land. It covers more than 100,000 acres in Washington state. This wilderness is known for its rugged mountains and beautiful alpine meadows. It's a great place for hiking and exploring nature.
Why is it called "Wilderness"?
A wilderness area is a place where humans have made very few changes. It's kept wild so that plants and animals can thrive. This helps protect the natural environment for everyone. It also means you won't find roads or buildings there.
What Animals Live Here?
The Goat Rocks Wilderness is home to many different animals. You might spot mountain goats, which is how the area got its name! Other animals include deer, elk, and various types of birds. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing.
Exploring the Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is a very long hiking trail. It stretches all the way from Mexico to Canada. This trail goes through California, Oregon, and Washington. It's one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world.
What is the PCT?
Hikers from all over the world come to walk parts of the PCT. Some even try to hike the entire trail in one go! It offers incredible views of mountains, forests, and deserts. The trail near Ives Peak gives hikers amazing scenery.
How Does the Trail Relate to Ives Peak?
The Pacific Crest Trail passes very close to Ives Peak. While the trail doesn't go right over the summit, it offers stunning views of the peak. Hikers on the PCT can admire Ives Peak as they journey through the wilderness.
Understanding Glaciers: The McCall Glacier
Ives Peak has the McCall Glacier on its eastern slopes. Glaciers are huge bodies of ice that move very slowly. They form over many years from layers of snow that get compressed.
How Glaciers Form
Snow falls and builds up year after year. If it doesn't melt completely in the summer, it gets packed down. Over time, this turns into ice. The weight of the ice makes it slowly flow downhill.
Why Glaciers are Important
Glaciers are important for many reasons. They store a lot of fresh water. They also help shape the landscape, carving out valleys and peaks. The McCall Glacier is a cool feature of Ives Peak.
Reaching the Summit: Ives Peak Scramble
Climbing Ives Peak is considered a "scramble." This means it's not a regular hike on a clear trail. Instead, it involves using your hands and feet to climb over rocks. It's more challenging than a simple walk.
What is a Scramble?
A scramble is like a mix between hiking and rock climbing. You might need to use your hands to steady yourself or pull yourself up. It's for experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights and uneven ground.
Views from the Top
If you make it to the top of Ives Peak, you'll be rewarded with amazing views. You can see across the Goat Rocks Wilderness. On a clear day, you might even spot other famous peaks in the Cascade Range.
