Norse Peak Wilderness

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Norse Peak Wilderness

IUCN Category Ib - Wilderness Area

View from the Lost Lake Trail in the Norse Peak Wilderness

View from the Lost Lake Trail in the Norse Peak Wilderness

location Yakima County / Pierce County , Washington , USA
surface 211.71 km²
WDPA ID 372418
Geographical location 46 ° 57 ′  N , 121 ° 27 ′  W Coordinates: 46 ° 57 ′ 24 "  N , 121 ° 27 ′ 10"  W
Norse Peak Wilderness (Washington)
Norse Peak Wilderness
Setup date 1984
administration US Forest Service

The Norse Peak Wilderness is a wilderness area of over two hundred square kilometers in the central part of the US state Washington . It protects part of the Cascade Mountains north of Chinook Pass ( Washington State Route 410 ), south of Naches Pass ( Naches Trail ), and east of Mount Rainier National Park . In the south it is bounded by the William O. Douglas Wilderness . The area is named for a prominent peak that towers above the Crystal Mountain Ski Area . Roughly triangular, it is about sixteen kilometers in diameter and not intersected by roads. The closest city is Tacoma .

history

The Norse Peak Wilderness was placed under protection by the Washington State Wilderness Bill in 1984 and is administered by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest . Between 1890 and 1950 the area was overgrazed by domestic sheep. The area south of the Norse Peak Wilderness in the Morse Creek catchment area was once known as the Summit Mining District and was popular for mining activities between 1885 and 1920. The gold soap content in the area was low, but historical reports of these early mining activities are still significant.

Geographical features

The Norse Peak Wilderness is characterized by forested slopes and protruding volcanic peaks. The existing rivers flow through narrow valleys to the lower meadows. The topography includes open, park-like pools in higher elevations. The heights range from 900 meters on the Greenwater River in the north to 2090 meters on Norse Peak in the west and 2100 meters on Fifes Peaks, the striking remnant of a volcanic cone in the east. The eastern part of the area is drained by the tributaries of the Naches River .

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail strictly follows the ridge of the Cascade Range in the Norse Peak Wilderness. The historic Naches Pass Trail runs east and west just outside the northern limit of the reserve. Several other routes provide access to other areas of the area.

ecology

The wilderness area provides habitats for deer and elk ; a herd of mountain goats populates the alpine areas. The area is also home to pumas , coyotes, and American black bears . Unconfirmed reports suggest that wolves are also living in the area. Ordinary Douglas fir , giant arborvitae and pine make up the forest stands. The undergrowth of the forests is dense and rich in species. The meadows are also very rich in species.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Norse Peak Wilderness . In: Wilderness.net . University of Montana. Retrieved April 9, 2007.
  2. ↑ Norse Peak Wilderness . In: Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest . US Forest Service. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  3. ↑ a b Norse Peak Wilderness Area . In: Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest . Archived from the original on March 1, 2006. Retrieved August 1, 2007.

Web links

Commons : Norse Peak Wilderness  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files