Marcus Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marcus Peak |
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Marcus Peak seen from Sunrise Point
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,962 ft (2,122 m) |
| Prominence | 482 ft (147 m) |
| Geography | |
 Marcus Peak
Location in Washington (state)
Marcus Peak
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 White River Park |
| Type of rock | Andesite, Basalt |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scrambling class 3 |
Marcus Peak is a mountain that stands 6,962 feet (2,122 meters) tall. It is located in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state. This peak is part of the Sourdough Mountains, which are a smaller group of peaks within the larger Cascade Range. Marcus Peak sits just north of another peak called Dege Peak.
The mountain was named in 1932 after Marcus Whitman (1802–1847). He was an early pioneer and a doctor. A glacier on Little Tahoma is also named after him.
Getting to Marcus Peak can be tricky because snow often closes the Sunrise Road. This road is usually open only during July, August, and September. The closest taller mountain is Palisades Peak, which is about 0.64 miles (1.03 km) to the north. All the rain and melted snow from Marcus Peak flows into the White River.
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Weather Around Marcus Peak
Marcus Peak is in a "marine west coast" climate zone. This means it gets a lot of weather from the Pacific Ocean. Most weather systems travel northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.
How Mountains Affect Weather
When these weather systems hit the tall Cascade Mountains, they are forced to rise. This process is called orographic lift. As the air rises, it cools down and drops its moisture. This moisture falls as rain or snow onto the mountains. Because of this, the western side of the Cascades gets a lot of rain and snow, especially in winter.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
In winter, the weather is often cloudy. But in summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean bring clear skies. The snow in this area tends to be wet and heavy. This can create a high risk of avalanches, which are dangerous slides of snow.
Images for kids
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Marcus Peak seen from Sunrise Point
- To learn more about the park, visit the National Park Service website: Mount Rainier National Park
 | Selma Burke |
 | Pauline Powell Burns |
 | Frederick J. Brown |
 | Robert Blackburn |
