McNeeley Peak (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McNeeley Peak |
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McNeeley Peak seen from the southeast
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,786 ft (2,068 m) |
| Prominence | 306 ft (93 m) |
| Isolation | 0.9 mi (1.4 km) |
| Parent peak | Mount Fremont (7,317 ft) |
| Geography | |
 McNeeley Peak
Location in Washington (state)
McNeeley 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 Sunrise |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scrambling class 2 |
McNeeley Peak is a mountain peak that stands 6,786 feet (2,068 meters) tall. It is located inside Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state. This peak is part of the Sourdough Mountains, which are a smaller group within the larger Cascade Range.
McNeeley Peak is found north of the Sunrise Historic District. It sits east of Mount Fremont and northwest of Antler Peak. The peak was named in 1932 after Edwin J. McNeeley, a well-known businessman from Tacoma.
You can usually visit McNeeley Peak during the summer months. The road leading to it, called Sunrise Road, is often closed by snow for most of the year. The best time to go is usually July, August, and September. Water from rain and melting snow on McNeeley Peak flows into the White River.
Weather at McNeeley Peak
McNeeley Peak is in a "marine west coast" climate zone. This means its weather is strongly influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. Most of the weather systems start over the Pacific Ocean. They then travel northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.
When these weather systems reach the tall Cascade Mountains, they are forced to rise. As the air goes higher, it cools down. This causes the moisture in the air to turn into rain or snow. Because of this, the western side of the Cascades gets a lot of rain and snow, especially in winter.
During winter, the weather is often cloudy. However, in summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean usually bring clear skies. The snow in this area tends to be wet and heavy. This can sometimes lead to a high risk of avalanches. The months from July through September offer the best weather for seeing or climbing McNeeley Peak.
