Sleeping Beauty Peak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty in winter
Highest point
Elevation	4,907 ft (1,496 m)
Prominence	347 ft (106 m)
Geography
Sleeping Beauty Location in Washington (state) Show map of Washington (state) Sleeping Beauty Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Skamania County, Washington, U.S.
Parent range	Cascades
Topo map	USGS Sleeping Beauty
Type of rock	Andesite basalt
Climbing
Easiest route	Hiking

Sleeping Beauty is a mountain peak in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania County, Washington. It stands 4,907 feet (1,496 meters) tall. This mountain is part of the Cascade Range. It is about 10.73 miles (17.27 km) southwest of Mount Adams.

The mountain got its name, Sleeping Beauty, because its shape looks like a sleeping woman when you see it from the east side of the Trout Lake Valley. Water from the mountain flows into streams that feed the White Salmon River. The peak is made of volcanic rock called andesite. This rock pushed up through older rocks more than 25 million years ago. Today, the mountain is surrounded by old Douglas fir and mountain hemlock trees.

Exploring Sleeping Beauty Mountain

The Sleeping Beauty Peak Trail is a 1.4-mile path. It is a steep hike that leads to the base of the rocky peak. In 1931, a fire lookout tower was built on this peak. This tower helped spot forest fires from above.

Weather and Climate at Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty is in a marine west coast climate zone. This means it has mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. Most of the weather systems come from the Pacific Ocean. They move northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.

How Mountains Affect Weather

When these weather systems reach the Cascade Mountains, the air is forced to rise. This process is called Orographic lift. As the air rises, it cools down and drops its moisture. This causes a lot of rain or snow to fall on the western side of the Cascades.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Because of this, the west side of the Cascades gets a lot of rain and snow, especially in winter. Winters are usually cloudy. However, in summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean become stronger. This often brings clear skies and sunshine. The best time to visit or hike Sleeping Beauty is from July through September. During these months, the weather is usually clear and pleasant.

• Weather forecast: Sleeping Beauty
• National Forest Service web site: Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Sleeping Beauty Lookout, 1944