Naches Peak

Naches Peak
Dewey Peak seen from Highway 410
Highest point
Elevation	6,452 ft (1,967 m)
Prominence	692 ft (211 m)
Coordinates	46°52′04″N 121°30′28″W
Geography
Naches Peak Location of Naches Peak in Washington Naches Peak Naches Peak (the United States)
Location	Mount Rainier National Park, Pierce County, Washington, U.S.
Parent range	Cascades
Topo map	USGS Chinook Pass
Climbing
Easiest route	Scrambling class 4

Naches Peak is a 6,452 feet (1,967 m) summit located on the shared border of Mount Rainier National Park and William O. Douglas Wilderness. It is also on the shared border of Pierce County and Yakima County in Washington state. Naches Peak is situated on the crest of the Cascade Range and immediately southeast of Chinook Pass. Its nearest higher peak is Tahtlum Peak, 1.45 mi (2.33 km) to the east. The name Naches Peak was proposed by the Yakima Chamber of Commerce and approved by Asahel Curtis in 1927. The Naches Peak Loop Trail is a popular 3.5 mile trail encircling the peak. Precipitation runoff from the west side of Naches Peak drains into tributaries of the Cowlitz River, whereas the east side drains into tributaries of the Yakima River.

Climate

Naches Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America. Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades. As a result, the west side of the Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. During winter months, weather is usually cloudy, but, due to high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean that intensify during summer months, there is often little or no cloud cover during the summer. Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.

External links

• National Park Service web site: Mount Rainier National Park
• National Forest Service web site: William O Douglas Wilderness

Gallery

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  Naches Peak from north
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  Naches Peak seen from Highway 410 approaching Chinook Pass
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  Lupine wildflowers along loop trail
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  Indian paintbrush along loop trail
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  Fern along loop trail
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  Sitka Mountain-ash