Cascade Range

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Cascade Range map

Columbia River Gorge (3)

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Mount Shuksan tarn

Mount Hood reflected in Mirror Lake, Oregon

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Coquihalla River

Cascade Range or Cascade Mountains is a major mountain range of western North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. It includes both non-volcanic mountains, such as the North Cascades, and the notable volcanoes known as the High Cascades. The range's striking features include its rugged landscape, scenic beauty, and the notable peaks such as Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood, among others. The Cascades are a part of the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire, the ring of volcanoes and associated mountains around the Pacific Ocean.

Geography

The Cascade Range stretches over 700 miles (1,100 km) from north to south, with its width varying from 50 to 100 miles (80 to 160 km). The range is bounded by the Fraser River to the north and by the Lassen Peak area to the south. The Cascades divide the state of Washington into the moist and heavily forested western part and the drier, more agricultural eastern part, due to the rain shadow effect of the mountains.

Geology

The Cascades are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the number of volcanoes that encircle the Pacific Ocean. The range has been formed by the subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate under the North American Plate, a process that is also responsible for the area's volcanic activity. The most recent and well-known volcanic event was the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, one of the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic events in the history of the United States.

Ecology

The Cascade Range is home to a diverse array of ecosystems, varying from the temperate rainforests on the western slopes to the alpine tundra and glaciers at higher elevations, and the dry pine forests and sagebrush steppes on the eastern slopes. This biodiversity supports a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, elk, and bald eagles. The range also includes several national parks, such as North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Crater Lake National Park, which are important for both conservation and recreation.

Recreation

The Cascades offer numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. The Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail that stretches from the Mexican border in California to the Canadian border in British Columbia, passes through the Cascade Range, providing spectacular views and a challenging trek.

Conservation

Efforts to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Cascade Range have led to the establishment of national parks, wilderness areas, and other protected lands. These efforts are crucial for protecting the range's diverse ecosystems from the threats of logging, mining, and climate change.