The Cascades Picture Gallery
Located 31 miles east of the largest city in the upper northwest, Bellingham, Mount Baker is an active stratovolano. The amount of snow that falls on Mount Baker is second only to Mount Rainier. The mountain is 10,781 feet, the third largest in Washington state.
The Cascade Mountain Range stretches from British Columbia, through Washington and Oregon, as well as northern California. The western slope of the Cascades receives the majority of rainfall, while the eastern side is characterized by an arid and dry climate.
One of three dams on the Skagit River, Diablo Dam was constructed in 1930. Today, it serves a large majority of Seattle with electricity.
The lake formed behind Diablo Dam is Diablo Lake. The turquoise green color is a result of the fine glaciated rock carried into streams and eventually dumped into the man-made reservoir.
Glacier Peak is among the five active volcanoes in Washington. It's the most difficult to see and get to because of its geographic location in the heart of the Cascade Range. Besides Mount St. Helens, Glacier Peak is the only active volcano to have a major eruption in the past 15,000 years.
The popular tourist area, Lake Chelan is the deepest natural lake in Washington state at over 1,400 hundred feet. At nearly 55 miles long, the lake is teeming with water enthusiasts in the summer. Though the actual town's population is close to 4,000, in the summer months, up to 25,000 live in and around the area.
Pioneers in the late 1800s settled near Lake Wenatchee, relying on the logging industry for income. Today, Lake Wenatchee serves as a popular state park for camping, fishing, and water recreation.
Crossing the northernmost pass in the Cascades, travelers will pass through Winthrop. The town is a popular cross-country skiing destination. In this picture, the Methow River courses through the Methow Valley on its way to meet the Columbia River.
Highway 2, Stevens Pass, takes you over the Cascades. Open all year around, unlike the North Cascades which closes each winter, Stevens Pass is a frequent stops for skiers.
Mount Rainier is 14,410 feet, the highest spot in the state. It hosts the most glaciers of any mountain in Washington at 25.
Mount Rainier National Park was created in 1899. The Paradise Jackson Visitor Center is a great place to start your exploration. It offers general information, exhibits, and a guided ranger tour. Plus, it's a good spot for hiking the surrounding area. Don't forget the mosquito repellent in the summer months!
