Inspiration Peak (Washington) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Inspiration Peak
Inspiration Peak above part of Terror Glacier
Highest point
Elevation	7,880 ft (2,400 m)
Prominence	240 ft (73 m)
Geography
Inspiration Peak Location in Washington (state) Show map of Washington (state) Inspiration Peak Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	North Cascades National Park Whatcom County, Washington
Parent range	Picket Range Cascade Range
Topo map	USGS Mount Challenger
Type of rock	Skagit Gneiss
Climbing
First ascent	1940 by brothers Helmy and Fred Beckey
Easiest route	Climbing YDS 5.6 via West Ridge

Inspiration Peak is a 7,880+ ft (2,400+ m) mountain summit located in the Picket Range within North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington. The peak lies 0.28 mi (0.45 km) east of Mount Degenhardt, and 0.47 mi (0.76 km) west of McMillan Spires. Terror Glacier remnants lie to the south of the peaks, and the McMillan Cirque glaciers hang on the north slopes. The first ascent of Inspiration Peak was made in 1940 by Fred Beckey and his brother Helmy via the West Ridge. Inspiration Peak can be seen from the North Cascades National Park Newhalem visitor center, weather permitting.

Climate

Inspiration 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 the North Cascades, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades (Orographic lift). As a result, the west side of the North 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.

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, spires, ridges, and deep glacial valleys. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch. With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted. In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris. The "U"-shaped cross section of the river valleys are a result of recent glaciation. Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the North Cascades area.

Gallery

• 

  Terror, Degenhardt, Inspiration, McMillan Spires seen from the south

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  Inspiration (left), Degenhardt, Terror from north

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  Inspiration, Degenhardt centered, Terror to right, viewed from McMillan Spire

• Weather forecast: Inspiration Peak