Mount Kent (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Kent |
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![]() Mount Kent, north aspect
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 5,087 ft (1,551 m) |
Prominence | 647 ft (197 m) |
Isolation | 1.15 mi (1.85 km) |
Parent peak | McClellan Butte (5,162 ft) |
Geography | |
Location | King County, Washington state, U.S. |
Parent range | Cascade Range |
Topo map | USGS Bandera |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | class 3 scrambling |
Mount Kent is a mountain peak in King County, Washington state. It stands about 5,087 feet (1,550 meters) tall. This mountain is part of the Cascade Range and is located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Water from rain and melting snow on Mount Kent flows north into Alice Creek. This creek then joins the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Mount Kent's closest taller neighbor is McClellan Butte, which is about 1.16 miles (1.87 km) to the north. Another nearby peak, Mount Defiance, is about 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast, across the Interstate 90 highway.
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Understanding Mount Kent's Weather
Mount Kent is in a "marine west coast climate" zone, which means it's near the ocean. Most of the weather systems that affect this area start over the Pacific Ocean. They travel northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.
How Mountains Affect Weather
When these weather systems reach the Cascade Mountains, the air is forced to rise. As the air goes higher, it cools down and drops its moisture. This process is called Orographic lift. It causes a lot of rain or snow to fall on the western side of the Cascades. This is especially true during the winter months, when there's a lot of snowfall.
Winter and Summer Conditions
Because of the ocean's influence, the snow in this area tends to be wet and heavy. This can sometimes lead to a higher risk of avalanches. During winter, the weather is often cloudy. However, in the summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean usually bring clear skies. The best time to visit Mount Kent for climbing or just to enjoy the views is usually from July through September.
- Mount Kent weather forecast
- Climbing information: Mountaineers.org