Mount Shuksan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Shuksan |
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Mt Shuksan as seen from Baker Lake to the south
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 9,131 ft (2,783 m) NGVD 29 |
| Prominence | 4,411 ft (1,344 m) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Shuksan
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Whatcom County, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Shuksan |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Mountain type | Metamorphic schist |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | September 7, 1906 by Asahel Curtis and party |
| Easiest route | rock/ice climb, class 3 |
Mount Shuksan is a huge, glacier-covered mountain in the North Cascades National Park. It is located in Whatcom County, Washington. Mount Shuksan sits right next to Mount Baker, and is about 11.6 miles (18.7 km) south of the Canada-US border.
The name Shuksan comes from the Lummi language. It means "high peak." The very top of the mountain is a three-sided point called Summit Pyramid.
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How Mount Shuksan Was Formed
Mount Shuksan is made of a type of rock called Shuksan greenschist. This rock started as basalt from the ocean floor. About 120 million years ago, a piece of Earth's crust called the Easton terrane (pronounced "tare-RAIN") crashed into the west coast of North America. This huge collision changed the basalt into the metamorphic rock we see today.
The mountain you see now is what's left of a large rock slab. This slab was pushed up and over other rocks during that ancient collision.
Exploring Mount Shuksan
The Mount Baker Highway, also known as State Route 542, stays open all winter. This allows people to visit the Mt. Baker Ski Area. In late summer, a road to Artist Point opens up. This road lets visitors drive higher up the mountain for amazing views of the peak.
Picture Lake is a popular spot along the highway. The mountain reflects perfectly in the lake's calm water. This makes it a favorite place for photographers.
Mount Shuksan is also home to some very tall waterfalls. Sulphide Creek Falls is one of the tallest in North America. It plunges down the southeastern side of the mountain. There are also four other tall waterfalls nearby. These waterfalls get their water from small snowfields and glaciers on Mount Shuksan and nearby peaks.
Traditional Names and First Climbers
The Nooksack language has its own names for Mount Shuksan. They call it Shéqsan, which means "high foot." Another name is Ch’ésqen, meaning "golden eagle."
The first time someone officially climbed Mount Shuksan was on September 7, 1906. This climb is usually credited to Asahel Curtis and W. Montelius Price. However, some people believe it was climbed earlier. C. E. Rusk, a well-known climber, said that Joseph Morowits climbed it in 1897. Rusk himself thought it had already been climbed when he planned to try in 1903.
Nearby Mountains
- Weather forecast: Mount Shuksan
