Mount Ruth (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Ruth |
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Mount Ruth seen from Sourdough Ridge
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,690 ft (2,650 m) |
| Prominence | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Ruth
Location in Washington (state)
Mount Ruth
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 3 |
Mount Ruth is a tall mountain peak located in Mount Rainier National Park in Pierce County, Washington state, U.S.. It stands at 8,690 feet (about 2,649 meters) high. This mountain is part of the larger Cascade Range, a chain of mountains that stretches across western North America.
Mount Ruth is found between two large ice formations: the Emmons Glacier and the Inter Glacier. You can reach this beautiful peak by following the Glacier Basin Trail. The mountain was named to honor Ruth Knapp. She was the daughter of a prospector who built a small shelter called Knapp's Cabin in Glacier Basin, which is below the peak. Water from rain and melting snow on Mount Ruth flows into the White River.
Weather at Mount Ruth
Mount Ruth is located in a special weather area called the marine west coast climate zone. This means it gets a lot of influence from the nearby ocean. Most of the weather systems that affect this area start over the Pacific Ocean. They then travel northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.
As these weather systems approach the mountains, the air is forced to rise. This process is called Orographic lift. When the air rises, it cools down and drops its moisture. This causes a lot of rain or snow to fall on the Cascade Mountains. Because of this, the western side of the Cascades gets a lot of precipitation, especially during the winter months when heavy snowfall is common.
During winter, the weather is often cloudy. However, in the summer, large areas of high pressure form over the Pacific Ocean. These high-pressure systems often bring clear skies and sunny weather to the mountains. Because the ocean influences the weather, the snow that falls tends to be wet and heavy. This type of snow can sometimes lead to a higher risk of avalanches, so it's important to be aware of conditions when visiting.
- To learn more about the park, visit the National Park Service website: Mount Rainier National Park
Images for kids
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Mount Ruth (left of center) reflected in a pond in Glacier Basin
