mountains
Photo by Ardiss Hutaff on Unsplash

What Mountains Are in Washington State

Mountains are an integral part of the landscape in Washington State, formed by the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains. The Cascade Range includes some of the most iconic peaks in the state, including Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. To the west, the Olympic Mountains include the highest peak in the state, Mount Olympus.

Cascade Range

Stretching from the Canadian border to the Oregon border, the Cascade Range is the most prominent mountain range in Washington State. It includes some of the most iconic peaks in the state, such as Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier.

Mount St. Helens is perhaps the most famous peak in the Cascade Range. This volcano is located in the Cascade Volcanic Arc, which extends from Northern California to British Columbia. The volcano erupted in 1980, devastating the surrounding area and leaving a deep crater in its wake.

Mount Adams is the second highest peak in the Cascade Range. It is an extinct volcano located near Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. The peak is home to numerous glaciers, as well as a variety of wildlife.

Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the most prominent peak in the state. It is an active stratovolcano that stands at an impressive 14,411 feet in elevation. The mountain is home to 25 major glaciers and is an important part of the landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

Olympic Mountains

To the west of the Cascade Range lies the Olympic Mountains. This range is home to the highest peak in the state, Mount Olympus. This peak is 7,965 feet in elevation and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

The Olympic Mountains are also home to numerous other peaks, including Mount Anderson, Mount Deception, Mount Constance, and Mount Ellinor. These peaks are not as high as Mount Olympus, but they are still popular destinations for hikers and climbers.

The Olympic Mountains are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The range is covered in old-growth forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. The range is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain goats.

Conclusion

Washington State is home to two major mountain ranges, the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains. The Cascade Range includes some of the most iconic peaks in the state, such as Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. The Olympic Mountains are home to the highest peak in the state, Mount Olympus. These mountains are popular destinations for hikers and climbers, and they offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the state.