The northern extent of the Cascade Mountains, affectionately known as “Americas Alps”, is the most rugged and heavily glaciated range in the country, excluding Alaska. The North Cascades of Washington is a region bound by Puget Sound, Canada, Highway 97 and the extent of the Skagit River basin and the North Cascades National Park complex on the south.
The North Cascades features only one mountain over 10,000 feet tall – Washington’s northernmost volcano, Mount Baker – but the range yields innumerous prominent mountains of such rugged and noteworthy stature that climbers from all over the country flock to the region to indulge. Due to the substantial relief, Washington possesses more glaciers than any other state in the country outside of Alaska. When the vast quantities of ice are coupled with the extreme relief, the formula naturally produces vast quantities of waterfalls. Among the regions offerings are some of the most noteworthy waterfalls in North America – dozens of waterfalls stretching to heights well over 1000 feet tall and even a few falling over 2000 feet, propelling them to noteworthiness on a global scale. Unfortunately many of the best waterfalls in the region occur deep within the rugged backcountry of North Cascades National Park and are conventionally inaccessible. |
