A Day in the Cascades
The Cascade Mountain Range is incredibly unique. As a local and frequent visitor, I can confirm this statement. The Cascade Mountains are a place like no other.
The Cascade Mountain Range is a range of glacially eroded Cenozoic volcanic rock peaks divided by dramatic river valleys and blanketed by diverse evergreen forests. The range spans all the way from Seattle to the southernmost tip of Oregon. Each level of elevation is incredibly different. You can drive 5 minutes up a mountain pass and feel like you are on another planet. You can start at the base of the mountains deep down in the river valleys where you can see the steady transition from lowland forest to highland, highland to subalpine, subalpine to snowfields, and at the very top, the summits of the peaks themselves. It is a truly mesmerizing sight to see.
It all starts in the deep river valleys. Snowmelt from the peaks supply the water necessary to irrigate the wide swaths of forests. This is where the major old growth forests are found. The lowland forests consist of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, and Grand Fir. The ground here is warmer and incredibly moist, which prompts plant growth.
If you continue upwards beyond the confines of the river valleys, you will reach the highlands. These forests are more arid and the trees here are smaller. These forests are made up of Mountain Hemlock, Noble Fir, Pacific Silver Fir, Western White Pine, and Engelmann Spruce. The trees are smaller at this elevation due to the lack of water.
Soon you reach the threshold of the majestic subalpine forests. The Subalpine Firs here are shorter than other trees. Along with a strong majority of Subalpine Firs, the forests also include Mountain Hemlocks and beautiful tapestries of wildflowers inhabiting the picturesque meadows found here. These forests and meadows receive their water directly from the nearby snowpack, resulting in healthy communities full of thriving plants, flowers, and wildlife.
In the morning, we started at Paradise Viewpoint, where the volcano was especially visible. When we arrived, we nearly had the place to ourselves, a rarity at Paradise.
As we began our hike along the Skyline Trail, you could see the Cascades bordering the iconic volcano. Note the dramatic rock peaks to the right, a trademark of the Cascades.
The wildflowers were out in full force. A meadow filled with lupine, with a cameo from the crimson red paintbrush flower.
A subalpine forest. Although the climate can be unpredictable and the growing season short, life finds a way. Note the Subalpine Firs, they are everywhere up here!
Enter the alpine tundra. All of a few weeks ago, this beautiful stream and meadow were buried under feet of snowpack. Compared to the subalpine forests, which feature trees, alpine climates are above tree line. Here, the topography is mostly tundra, with limited communities of wildflowers (Note the placement of this meadow near the stream).
Some photos from the Skyline Trail
(Top Left) The trail started off paved near Paradise.
(Top) The sky and the clouds were especially dramatic in the morning, perfect for a black and white photo.
(Top Right) Myrtle Falls was quiet and peaceful in the morning.
(Bottom Left) During the hike, we spotted a bear walking through one of the meadows.
(Bottom Right) Even at high elevations, life finds a way.
One thought on “A Day in the Cascades”
Wonderful premier blog post!
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