Maple Mountain (Washington) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maple Mountain
Maple Mountain Location in Washington (state)
Highest point
Elevation	5,280+ ft (1,610+ m)
Prominence	590 ft (180 m)
Geography
Location	Okanogan County, Washington, U.S.
Parent range	Okanogan Highlands
Topo map	USGS Storm King Mountain
Geology
Age of rock	Eocene
Mountain type	Rhyolite flows
Climbing
Easiest route	Maple Mountain Trail

Maple Mountain is a cool mountain located in Okanogan County in the U.S. state of Washington. It stands tall at 5,280 feet (about 1,609 meters) above sea level. This mountain is a fun place to explore and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Discovering Maple Mountain

Maple Mountain is part of the Okanogan Highlands mountain range. It is known for its unique shape and the different types of plants that grow there. The mountain's rocks are mostly made of something called rhyolite. This type of rock forms from ancient lava flows. Scientists believe these rocks formed during the Eocene Epoch. That was a very long time ago!

Mountain Neighbors

Maple Mountain has two close neighbors. To the east, about 2.1 miles away, is Storm King Mountain. To the west, about 2.6 miles away, you'll find Clackamas Mountain. These mountains are all part of the same beautiful landscape in Washington. They create a stunning view for anyone visiting the area.

What Maple Mountain Looks Like

Most of Maple Mountain is covered in trees. It looks like a big, green giant from a distance. However, the south side of the mountain is different. Here, you can see exposed rock slabs. These are large, flat areas of rock. Grasses also grow in some spots on these rocky parts. It's a mix of forest and open rock.

Exploring the Trails

If you want to reach the top of Maple Mountain, there are a few ways to do it. Some parts of the mountain are quite challenging. The exposed rock slabs on the south side offer a more technical climb. This route requires some rock scrambling, which means using your hands and feet to climb over rocks. It's a fun challenge for experienced hikers.

The Easiest Path

The easiest way to get to the top is by using the Maple Mountain Trail. This trail is a popular choice for hikers. It starts near Granite Creek and climbs quite a bit. The trail goes up 1,420 feet (about 433 meters) in elevation. It does this over a distance of only 1.56 miles (about 2.5 kilometers). This makes it a steep but rewarding hike.

What to Expect on the Trail

As you hike the Maple Mountain Trail, you will walk through beautiful forests. You will see many different kinds of trees and plants. The trail leads you almost all the way to the summit. From there, you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Okanogan County. It's a great way to experience nature and get some exercise.