Old Snowy Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Snowy Mountain |
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Old Snowy Mountain
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 7,880+ ft (2,400+ m) |
Prominence | 280 ft (90 m) |
Geography | |
Location | Goat Rocks, Washington, U.S. |
Parent range | Cascade Range |
Topo map | USGS Old Snowy Mountain |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Scramble |
Old Snowy Mountain is a cool peak found in the Goat Rocks area of Washington. It stands tall at about 7,880 feet (2,402 meters) above sea level. This mountain sits right on the edge of Lewis and Yakima Counties in the U.S..
Old Snowy Mountain is part of a special place called the Goat Rocks Wilderness. This wilderness area is inside the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can find glaciers on its slopes, like the McCall Glacier on the east side. A smaller one, the Packwood Glacier, is just to the northwest. Also, the famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs along the west side of the mountain.
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Exploring Old Snowy Mountain
Old Snowy Mountain is a fantastic place to learn about nature. It offers amazing views and a chance to see some unique features. Let's dive into what makes this mountain so special.
Where is Old Snowy Mountain?
Old Snowy Mountain is located in the beautiful state of Washington. It's part of the Cascade Range, a long chain of mountains. This mountain is a key feature of the Goat Rocks area. The Goat Rocks are known for their rugged beauty.
The mountain is split between two counties: Lewis County and Yakima County. Both are in Washington state. Being in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest means it's part of a large protected forest. This forest is managed to keep its natural beauty and wildlife safe.
Glaciers and Trails
Old Snowy Mountain is home to some interesting natural features. These include glaciers and a famous hiking trail.
Glaciers on the Mountain
Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when snow piles up over many years and turns into ice. Old Snowy Mountain has two glaciers nearby:
- The McCall Glacier is on the eastern side of the mountain.
- The Packwood Glacier is a bit smaller and sits northwest of the peak.
These glaciers are important for the local environment. They can feed streams and rivers as they melt.
The Pacific Crest Trail
One of the most exciting features near Old Snowy Mountain is the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This trail is often called the PCT. It's a very long hiking trail that goes from Mexico all the way to Canada. It passes along the western slopes of Old Snowy Mountain.
Many hikers from all over the world come to walk parts of the PCT. Some even try to hike the entire trail! The section near Old Snowy Mountain offers stunning views. It's a great way to experience the wilderness.
The Goat Rocks Wilderness
Old Snowy Mountain is located within the Goat Rocks Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place. It is protected by law to keep it wild and untouched. This means there are no roads or buildings allowed. People can only visit on foot or horseback.
The Goat Rocks Wilderness is named after the mountain goats that live there. It's a rugged area with high peaks, deep valleys, and clear streams. It's a great place for:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife watching
Protecting wilderness areas like the Goat Rocks helps keep nature healthy. It also provides a home for many animals and plants.