North Cascades National Park - Nature and Science

Thrust up from the ocean floor in a tectonic collision millions of years ago, the North Cascades have been chiseled by glaciers into a jagged mountain realm full of sharp, stony peaks, deep valleys and long lakes. The North Cascades are part of a mountain range that stretches from Canada to California along the pacific crest. The park is unique as the most heavily glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska. More than 300 glaciers are at work year-round in the park slowly etching away at the landscape like patient master sculptors.

These mountains are home to a diverse host of flora and fauna. The lower elevations are forested with fir, hemlock, pine and cedar, while high amongst the snowfields sprawling subalpine meadows teem with wildflowers. The forests, fields, rivers and streams of this enchanted mountain realm are home to an exceptional amount of biodiversity.

Lightscape / Night Sky
Environmental Factors
Natural Features
Air Quality
Fire Regime
Nonnative Species
Mushrooms and Other Fungi
Trees and Shrubs
Glaciers / Glacial Features
Rivers and Streams
Wetlands