McKay Ridge

McKay Ridge is a 7,000+ ft (2,130+ m) ridge located in Whatcom County in Washington state.[2] It is part of the Okanogan Range which is a sub-range of the North Cascades. It's situated north of the North Cascades Highway on land administered by Okanogan National Forest. The nearest higher peak is Majestic Mountain, 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the northeast.[1] Precipitation runoff from the ridge drains into Ross Lake via tributaries of the Skagit River.

McKay Ridge
McKay Ridge seen from East Creek Trail
Highest point
Elevation	7,000+ ft (2,130+ m) [1]
Prominence	800 ft (240 m) [1]
Coordinates	48°41′28″N 120°50′47″W [1]
Geography
McKay Ridge Location in Washington McKay Ridge McKay Ridge (the United States)
Location	Whatcom County, Washington, U.S.
Parent range	North Cascades
Topo map	USGS Azurite Peak
Climbing
Easiest route	Scrambling

Climate

McKay Ridge is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[3] 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.[4] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[4]

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks and 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. These climate differences lead to vegetation variety defining the ecoregions in this area.

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.[5] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[5] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[5]

McKay Ridge (left) and Azurite Peak seen from North Cascades Highway

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[5] 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.

See also

Geography of the North Cascades

References

1. "McKay Ridge, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
2. "McKay Ridge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2018-07-22.
3. Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
4. Beckey, p. 16
5. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.