< PreviousCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 30 Heading westward on SR 20 travelers encounter stunning scenery at every turn. The North Cascades Scenic Highway and the North Cascades National Park are characterized by rugged beauty, jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, mountain lakes and meadows, and hundreds of glaciers. It’s no surprise that the Cascades are often labeled the “North American Alps” and that the region receives incredible amounts of snowfall each year. Because of the abundant precipitation and avalanche danger, SR 20 closes from Milepost 171 (west of Mazama) to Milepost 134 (east of Diablo) each year, usually from late November through late April. From Mazama, guests pass the massive bulk of Liberty Bell and Early Winter’s spires. The route climbs steeply toward Washington Pass and Rainy Pass (Milepost 162 and 157.6). These are great places to stop and enjoy unique mountain vistas and accessible trails, normally snow free from July through October. A 1/4 mile loop trail takes off from the Washington Pass Overlook (MP 162), the highest point on the North Cascades Highway. Numerous other forested hikes venture from the highway, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Blue Lake is always a popular hike too, just over two miles off the highway, offering crystal blue lake views. Fall is a great time to take in this hike as the lake is surrounded by golden larch trees, providing brilliant color contrast for incredible photo opportunities. After traveling twenty miles west of Washington Pass and Rainy Pass, SR 20 traverses the Ross Lake National Recreation Area located in the North Cascades National Park Complex. This 30-mile stretch offers recreational opportunities and easy access to many sites in the North Cascades. Views from the Ross and Diablo Lake overlooks reach north to Canada and south to the most glaciated valley in North America outside of Alaska. Colonial Creek and Newhalem Campgrounds offer the most vehicle accessible campsites in the park with summer programs and ancient forest hikes. Three reservoirs within the National Recreation Area were harnessed for hydroelectric power before Congress established the North Cascades National Park in 1968. Beginning in the 1920s, people journeyed from Rockport to Newhalem by train to enjoy the mountains and visit the Skagit River hydroelectric project. Constructed by Seattle City Light between 1919 and 1967, the three dams form Ross, Diablo, and Gorge reservoirs and supply electricity to the City of Seattle. The Skagit Information Center in Newhalem and the nearby Ladder Creek Falls Trail and the Trail of the Cedars offer opportunities to learn about the hydroelectric project as well as the natural and human history of the upper Skagit River. Seattle City Light offers summer cruises on Diablo Lake and provides regularly scheduled shuttle service between Diablo and Ross Lakes. Near Newhalem, visitors stop at the North Cascades National Park SCENIC & RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES & INTRINSIC QUALITIES This region is home to one of the least explored, pristine National Park areas in the US and is home to vast scenic and recreational opportunities. Scenic Experiences • Baker Lake.Near Concrete. • Birding. American bald eagle, golden eagle, Canada goose, ducks, osprey, great blue heron • Concrete Silo . Concrete. Built in 1908 • Diablo Dam & Spillway. Built in 1930. • Diablo & Ross Lakes.Emerald green waters visible from the roadway. • Gorge Lake Viewpoint. • Historic Henry Thompson Bridge. Concrete • Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.Miles of alpine scenery: ubiquitous stands of evergreen trees and mountain peaks. • North Cascades Mountains/Glaciers. Visible from the roadway. • Old No. 6 Locomotive. Newhalem. • Public Parks. Howard Miller Steelhead Park, Newhalem Park, Rockport and Razar State Parks, Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area & Interpretive Center • Skagit Wild & Scenic River.Visible from the roadway through much of the park. • Mt. Baker.Second tallest peak in WA. Active volcano. • Waterfalls.Ladder Creek Falls, Gorge Creek Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, numerous roadside falls, particularly in spring • Wildlife Viewing . Pika, marmot, elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, coyote, gray wolf, lynx. • Wildwood Chapel. Tiny roadside chapel. Marblemount1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 31 Visitor Center to chat with park rangers and check out park maps, information, exhibits, audio-visual displays, trails, and viewpoints. Leaving the North Cascades National Park complex, the next experience is the Skagit Wild and Scenic River system, which includes the Cascade, Sauk, and Suiattle Rivers. These clean, rushing waters are home to five species of Pacific salmon as well as two species of trout. Nearly 300 species of wildlife populate the area, including black-tailed deer, black bear, bald eagle, great blue heron, and osprey. High mountain glaciers feed the Skagit watershed, flowing south from British Columbia, providing ideal conditions for migratory birds. Marblemount is the first full-service community on the western slope following SR 20 westbound from the North Cascades. Located at the juncture of the Skagit River and Cascade River Road (formerly the Mine-to- Market Road) this community provided supplies to prospectors and miners crossing east over Cascade Pass. Today it provides supplies to hungry travelers and is a great base from which to explore the North Cascades National Park complex. Rockport State Park offers numerous places to hike through forests with sweeping views of the Skagit River. The upper Skagit Valley supports a growing list of recreational experiences including fishing, camping, river rafting, snowmobiling, hiking, and wildlife watching. The historic town of Concrete was fittingly named when it served as a cement production center. Today, a stroll down Main Street evokes a sense of small town nostalgia—a feeling that is reinforced by the friendly locals, warm hospitality, and rural surroundings. Recreational Experiences • Boating & Kayaking. Diablo, Ross , Gorge and Thunder Lakes • Camping. Colonial Creek, Newhalem Creek, Goodell Creek , Gorge Lake and Hozomeen Campgrounds • Concrete. Historic town, theatre and museum • Culinary. Family owned and operated diners, cafes, wineries and breweries. Cascadian Farms Organic Roadside Stand. • Fishing. • Hiking & Backpacking. Canyon Creek Trail, Happy Creek forest Walk, Thunder Knob Trail, Park Creek Trail, Diablo Lake Trail, Newhalem Trails, Trail of the Cedars, Sahale Glacier, Sourdough Trail, Rainy Pass, Heather- Maple Pass Loop, Cascade Pass, Hidden Lake, Copper Ridge, Desolation Peak, Fourth of July Pass • Marblemount.Access to Cascade Pass • National Park Visitor Information Centers. Newhalem, Marblemount Wilderness Information Center, Baker River Hydroelectric Project/Visitor Center/Fish Collection Facility (Puget Sound Energy Visitors Gallery) • North Cascades Institute Environmental Learning Center. • Skagit Bald Eagle Festival. Throughout the month of January Services and Accommodations CITIES/TOWNS/ COMMUNITIES VISITORINFORMATIONLODGINGCAMPINGRESTAURANTSGROCERIESRESTROOMSFUELELECTRIC VEHICLECHARGINGTRANSIT/SHUTTLE SERVICESINTERPRETIVE CENTERS/MUSEUMSRECREATION DiabloXXXXX NewhalemXXXXXX MarblemountXXXXXXX RockportXXXX ConcreteXXXXXXX This chart identifies services and accommodations located within city/town limits or within a driving distance of five miles.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 32 Heading westbound on SR 20, the small communities of Hamilton, Lyman and Sedro- Woolley, are rich in heritage and hospitality. In Sedro-Woolley visitors can check out a 1913 steam engine pulling a logging car and a bright red caboose at the entrance to town. The downtown core boasts murals depicting historic scenes, antique logging equipment, life-size wood carvings, and a logging museum. The community honors its history with gas lamp replicas and preserved historic buildings and homes. Sedro- Woolley hosts “Loggerodeo” each year, the state’s oldest ongoing 4th of July celebration. There are many bird watching opportunities throughout the Skagit River Valley. Look for snow geese, trumpeter swans, and waterfowl December through March. Burlington is located at the crossroads of the Interstate 5 (I-5) corridor and the North Cascades Scenic Highway (SR 20). Because of this central location between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, Burlington is a great base from which to explore many recreational activities within easy driving distance. Berry Dairy Days is a celebration held each June, recognizing the economic importance of the region’s berry fields and dairies. Just to the south, Mount Vernon sits at the convergence of several rivers and sloughs, an irresistible attraction for an assortment of bird species. The riverfront and adjacent historic downtown are ideal for exploring on foot. Dotted with farmhouses and big red barns, the Skagit Valley is home to the largest commercial flower bulb industry outside of Holland. March through May the entire valley is a carpet of colorful blooms (tulips, daffodils, irises) back-dropped by dramatic views of Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held is April. La Conner is a unique combination of fishing village and artist colony, located slightly off the Loop to the south. Featured in the National Register of Historic Places, the town is tucked between miles of fertile farmlands, just off Skagit Bay and adjacent to the Swinomish Channel. Many boaters making their way out to the San Juan Islands and other destinations use La Conner as a jumping off point. The La Conner daffodil Festival is held in March. SCENIC & RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES & INTRINSIC QUALITIES The Skagit Valley and Fidalgo Island are renowned for their abundant harvests--produce, seafood and spring flowers. The area is diverse in its scenery and its recreational offerings. Scenic Experiences • Anacortes Waterfront/Boatyards. • Birding. American bald eagle, golden eagle, Canada goose, ducks, osprey, common loon, cormorant, snow goose, tundra swan, great blue heron • Blooming Flower Fields.Mt. Vernon and La Conner. Tulips, daffodils and iris, in-season. • Deception Pass Bridge.Links Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands • Historic Northern State Recreation Area/nature viewing • Hurn Field Elk Viewing.Sedro-Woolley • Mount Erie Overlook.Anacortes. • Outdoor Art. La Conner, Anacortes. • Padilla Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary Interpretive Center • Public Gardens. Discovery Gardens, Skagit Master Gardeners/Native Plant Society, Roozengarde, Tulip Town • Public Parks.Washington Park, Little Mountain Park, Camano Island State Park, Bay View State Park, Causland Memorial Park • Rainbow Bridge , La Conner • Skagit Wild and Scenic River • Swinomish Channel. La Conner • Swinomish Hat Pavilions in Swadabs Park, La Conner • Wildlife Viewing.Harbor seal, humpback whale, orca whale, river otter, elk, white-tail deer. 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 33 Anacortes, located off of SR 20, is the crown jewel of Fidalgo Island, the eastern-most of the San Juan Islands. Once the salmon-canning capital of the world, there is now an active port, commercial fishing fleet, and marina. Visitors can take a whale-watching tour with excursions leading to sightings 95 percent of the time. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available as well, offering visitors a truly memorable and up-close view of the marine setting and diversity of wildlife it supports. Deception Pass anchors the end of this region on the Cascade Loop and serves as the gateway to Whidbey Island. Recreational Experiences • Agritourism and Culinary Tourism . Agricultural Scenic Corridor, talking fields, farmers markets, bloom fields, u-picks, Heritage Barns of Skagit Driving Tour, locally-owned arm-to-table restaurants, locally-harvest seafood, wineries and breweries. • Anacortes Ferry Terminal, Washington State Ferries • Boating, Kayaking, Whale Watching • Burlington-Skagit County Regional Byways Visitor Center • Festivals and Events: La Conner Daffodil Festival, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Berry Dairy Days, Loggerodeo, Highland Games, Skagit County Fair and Rodeo, Festival of Family Farms, Skagit River Salmon Festival, Northwest Arts Alive, Oyster Run, Anacortes Spring Wine Festival, Anacortes Waterfront Festival, Anacortes 4th of July Celebration, Northwest tribes’ Canoe Journey. • Gateway to Chuckanut DriveScenic Byway. • Hiking.Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (extends across Washington and all the way to Glacier National Park in Montana), local sloughs, Mt. Erie, Little Mountain Park trails, Anacortes Community Forestland, Tommy Thompson Trail, Guemes Channel Trail • Historic small towns. Hamilton, Lyman, Sedro- Woolley, Burlington, Edison, Mount Vernon, Conway, a Conner, Anacortes. • North Cascades National Park Information Center/ranger office. Sedro-Woolley. • Museums. Sedro-Woolley Museum, Skagit County Museum, La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum, Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, Children’s Museum of Skagit County in Burlington, WT Preston Snagboat and Maritime Museum • Tribal Culture.Upper Skagit, Sauk-Suiattle, Lummi, Swinomish, Samish, and Stillaguamish Tribes; many examples of Northwest/Coast Salish native art; annual Canoe Journey Services and Accommodations CITIES/TOWNS/ COMMUNITIES VISITORINFORMATIONLODGINGCAMPINGRESTAURANTSGROCERIESRESTROOMSFUELELECTRIC VEHICLECHARGINGTRANSIT/SHUTTLE SERVICESINTERPRETIVE CENTERS/MUSEUMSRECREATION HamiltonX LymanX Sedro-WoolleyXXXXXXXXX BurlingtonXXXXXXXXXX Mount VernonXXXXXXXXXX La ConnerXXXXXXXXX This chart identifies services and accommodations located within city/town limits or within a driving distance of five miles.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 34 Whidbey Island is the second longest island in the US with massive views and numerous attractions and is home to the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way--a scenic byway in its on right. This leg of the journey begins by crossing the Deception Pass Bridge-- one of the most photographed locations on the Cascade Loop. Guests park on either side of the bridge and can walk across and take photos of this jaw-dropping view safely. Continuing on, the views change to those of scenic countryside, marshlands, forests, the Puget Sound, and snowy peaks of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains in the distance. Deception Pass State Park, home to Cranberry Lake, is a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic. Continuing south visitors reach the island’s biggest city, Oak Harbor. A patriotic Navy town, this community includes a historic district and plentiful shopping. Activities are abundant here, from hiking and walking along waterfront trails to learning about generations of maritime history. RV camping is available as well as other accommodations. The town’s life-sized windmill, a tribute to its Dutch heritage, is a must-see. Coupeville is the second oldest town in Washington state, with over 100 of its buildings on the National Historic Register, and it is home to famous Penn Cove mussels and the Island County Historical Museum. Visitors can walk along the Kettles Trail from Coupeville to Fort Ebey State Park. On the western side of the island, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks preserve military installations that once protected the entrance to Puget Sound. At Fort Casey, visitors can tour old artillery installations and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse Museum. Both parks offer miles of hiking trails. Continuing south on SR 525, guests glimpse salt- water passages to the east and west at Greenbank, located at one of the island’s narrowest points. Breathtaking views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges can be enjoyed on clear days. South of Greenbank, visitors can explore the stunning Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, a 53-acre forest preserve. This incredible garden boasts year-round treats for enthusiasts, beyond just the “rhodies.” After the gardens, continue south to Freeland, whose Main Street is the service and shopping center for South Whidbey. Freeland Park offers a boat launch, picnic facilities, and a playground with gorgeous views of Holmes Harbor. SCENIC & RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES & INTRINSIC QUALITIES The Whidbey Scenic Isle Way brings its own personality to the Cascade Loop--one that is decidedly laid back. The locals refer to it as “Island Time”. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an action- packed Cascade Loop adventure. Scenic Experiences • Admiralty Head Lighthouse, Coupeville • Birding. American bald eagle, golden eagle, Canada goose, ducks, osprey, common loon, cormorant, snow goose, tundra swan, great blue heron, tufted puffin • Deception Pass Bridge.Links Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands • Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve • Oak Harbor Marina • Penn Cove, Coupeville • Public Gardens. Meerkerk Gardens. Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, Greenbank Farm • Public Parks. Deception Pass State Park, Windjammer Park, Joseph Whidbey State Park, Freeland Park, Double Bluff County Park (off-leash dog park), Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, South Whidbey State Park • Wildlife Viewing.Harbor seal, humpback whale, orca whale, white-tail deer. 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 35 From Freeland visitors can head south to the town of Langley, a historic artists’ colony overlooking Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains. Langley’s streets are lined with historic buildings, flower-filled walkways, and parks. The town is home to local cuisine, a museum, galleries, and theaters. Leaving Langley, signs lead the way back to SR 525 and south to Clinton. Clinton’s seaside park near the ferry dock is a great place to view wildlife from the beach, and there is also a playground at the park. The Washington State Ferries terminal loads cars and passengers aboard the ferry to Mukilteo every half hour delivering travelers back to Mukilteo where their journey started. Recreational Experiences • Agritourism and Culinary Tourism. Penn Cove mussels, Greenbank Farm, Bayview corner, farmers markets, lavender farm, u-picks, locally-owned restaurants and farm-to- table culinary offerings, breweries, wineries, Whidbey Wine Trail/tasting rooms, Whidbey Island Farm Map/Tour • Boating & Kayaking. • Cascadia Marine Trail (water route) • Festivals and events: Holland Happening, Penn Cove Water Festival and Mussel Festival, Whidbey Island Garden Tour, Choochokam—Langley Festival of the Arts, Island County Fair in Langley, Langley Murder Mystery Weekend; annual Northwest tribes’ Canoe Journey, Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, Celebrate America, Djangofest, Whidbey Island Marathon, Race Week. • Hiking.Oak Harbor Waterfront Trail, Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (extending across Washington and all the way to Glacier National Park in Montana), Kettles Trails • Historic Blue Fox Drive-In • Historic small towns. Coupeville, Bayview, Greenbank, Freeland, Clinton, Langley • Museums . PBY Naval Heritage Center/Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Island County Historical Museum • Tribal Culture. Homelands of the Samish, Swinomish, Lummi, Stillaguamish, and Tulalip Tribes; many examples of Northwest/Coast Salish native art; Canoe Journey. • Washington State Ferries. Clinton and Keystone • Wharves and Waterfronts. Coupeville and Langley • Whidbey Art Trail/studio tours and art festivals Services and Accommodations CITIES/TOWNS/ COMMUNITIES VISITORINFORMATIONLODGINGCAMPINGRESTAURANTSGROCERIESRESTROOMSFUELELECTRIC VEHICLECHARGINGTRANSIT/SHUTTLE SERVICESINTERPRETIVE CENTERS/MUSEUMSRECREATION Oak HarborXXXXXXXXXXX CoupevilleXXXXXXXXXXX GreenbankXXXXXXX Bayview CornerXXXXXXX LangleyXXXXXXXXX FreelandXXXXXXXXX ClintonXXXXXXX This chart identifies services and accommodations located within city/town limits or within a driving distance of five miles.2Past and Present Conditions around the Cascade Loop2. Past and Present ConditionsCORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 37 This chapter of the corridor management plan summarizes past and present conditions around the Cascade Loop, beginning with more general aspects and then focusing on the more detailed characteristics of each of the nine regions. Because the scenic byway crosses the Cascade Mountains, it provides access to the two very different sides of Washington state – the wetter, more temperate western side encompassing the Puget Sound lowlands, and the drier and sunnier eastern side known as the Columbia Plateau. These characteristics result in a wonderful diversity of landscapes, scenic experiences, and climatic conditions that visitors can enjoy throughout the year. Human influences along the byway enrich these experiences even more, including the pre-history, history, and modern cultures of many Native American tribes, the stories of explorers, pioneers, settlers, and early industrialists, and today’s lifestyles of farmers, ranchers, orchardists, viticulturists, townspeople, and city dwellers. This chapter focuses on the conditions that have shaped the context of the Cascade Loop and existing conditions in each region such as local geography, demographics, and economic industries that influence tourism and commerce. Past and Present Conditions Natural History and Ecosystem Characteristics The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway crosses the rugged, steep peaks of the Cascade Mountains in two areas: Stevens Pass Greenway (Region 2) and the North Cascades (Region 7). Home to the majority of the active glaciers of the lower 48 states, the North Cascades are mostly comprised of gneiss, schist, or granitic rocks and contain some of the world’s most dense forests with towering trees and thick vegetation in myriad shades of green. Scientists estimate that the Cascade Arc—a line of ancient erupting volcanoes—rose between 37 and 50 million years ago. The modern Cascade Range dates to the last 5 to 7 million years with Mount Baker as the most recent descendant in the long line of volcanoes. Mount Baker (10, 778 feet above sea level) last erupted in 1880, and while Glacier Peak (10,541 feet), located to the southeast of Mount Baker, has not erupted in historic times, it has a long history of influencing regional drainage patterns. These two highest peaks are the only two volcanoes in the region. The highest non-volcanic peaks in this region range from 8,000 to 9,500 feet. As the modern Cascade Range rose, rivers and streams eroded to a point of dissecting the landscape, establishing valleys, basins, and other geographic features. Over the last two million years, periodic episodes of massive glaciations continued to sculpt the Guests watching the rodeo at the Chelan County Fair, Cashmere landscape. Scientists estimate that at least four times during this period continental- scale glaciers formed in what is now Canada and extended south across the North Cascades region of the United States. More recent glacial episodes from about 18,000 to 11,000 years ago brought ice into the region that reached thicknesses of three thousand feet over the Seattle area and six thousand feet over the Bellingham area. When this ice retreated, it left behind massive deposits of clay, sand, and gravel across the region. On the east side of the Cascades, dramatic flood events shaped the landscape as the ice retreated. A lobe of ice that dammed Glacial Lake Missoula in what is now Montana breached periodically between approximately 14,000 and 11,000 years ago, sending massive floods that scoured out the scablands and coulees of eastern Washington down through the Columbia River Gorge. Remnants of these Ice Age Floods are visible throughout the Columbia River basin. According to Tidewater to Timberline: Natural History of the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem by Thomas L. Fleischner and Saul Weisberg, the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem is one of the finest expressions on the North American continent of nature’s beauty and diversity. This vast ecosystem extends from the tidewater bays along Puget CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 2. Past and Present Conditions 38 Sound through ancient lowland forests to the sparser forests of the upper elevations where meadows of alpine wildflowers emerge from the snow for several weeks each year. Many peaks ascend more than 5,000 feet from the valley to the summit of the Cascade Crest with miles of permanent snowfields, glaciers, and sheer rock walls, earning them the nickname the “American Alps.” The western slopes of the Cascade Foothills receive the most precipitation, with clouds absorbing moisture from the Puge Sound and valley lowlands before passing over the crest. This is known as the “rainshadow effect,” which influences the drier climate east of the Cascades. On the west side, the influence of the maritime weather system further contributes to the ecological diversity of this region, where drainages west of the Cascade Crest flow directly to saltwater estuaries and inland marine waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia. The Skagit River is one of the largest of these west- slope rivers. A unique aspect of this area is that one can travel from the highest mountain Ice Age Floods map peaks of the Cascades to the marine shores of Puget Sound in less than one hour. The eastern slope of the Cascades descends from the drier forests of spruce and pine into the vast, arid sagebrush steppe country of the Columbia Plateau. This “dry side” is a wholly different biologically diverse network of vegetation, habitat areas, and wildlife. The great Columbia River collects waters of the eastern slopes of the Cascade range and carries it directly to the Pacific Ocean along the Washington-Oregon border. The entire Greater North Cascades Ecosystem includes one of the largest, most intact wildlands in the contiguous United States under public management as North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests, and the Glacier Peak, Pasayten, Mount Baker, Chelan-Sawtooth, Boulder River, Noisy-Diobsud, Alpine Lakes, and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Areas. 2. Past and Present ConditionsCORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 39 The Cascade Range is a major climatic partition with drastically different levels of precipitation on each side of the mountains. The marine-influenced climate on the west side of the Cascades is much wetter than the arid climate on the east side. There are ten distinct climatic zones in Washington state, and the Cascade Loop passes through six of these as it traverses back and forth across the Cascades. On the west side of the Cascades, rainfall is recorded on between 150 and 190 days per year, depending on the area. This rainfall is usually of light to moderate intensity and downpours are uncommon. The wettest months are December and January when it rains 20 to 25 days each month. Summers in Western Washington are mild, and relatively dry. The driest months are July and August with an average of 15-20 sunny or partly sunny days each month. Various regions experience different levels of precipitation and varying average temperatures. For example, portions of Whidbey Island are influenced by the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains with much less annual precipitation than other areas of Western Washington. Northern parts of Whidbey Island average between 18 and 30 inches and rain is typically light. In the Puget Sound Lowlands, average temperatures range between 28 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit in January and between 50 and 78 degrees in July. Annual precipitation is between 32 and 45 inches, and winter snowfall ranges from 10 to 20 inches. Closer to the mountains in the Cascade Foothills, average temperatures range between 25 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit in January and between 50 and 80 degrees in July. Precipitation is greatly affected by elevation. In the lowest valleys annual precipitation is 40 inches and snowfall is less than 10 inches. At elevations above 800 feet, average precipitation increases to 90 inches and snowfall to 50 inches. In the Cascade Mountains, average temperatures range between 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in January. Precipitation including snowfall ranges between 50 and 600 inches at the higher elevations annually. The climate is greatly influenced by elevation, and temperature generally decreases 3 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. Peaks such as Mount Baker have some of the highest recorded snowfall events in the United States. Regions on the east side of the Cascades experience a more continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters. Precipitation is much less than on the west side, especially moving further away from the mountains. Areas on the eastern slope of the mountains experience average temperatures ranging between 15 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit in January and between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July. The climate here is influenced by elevation and distance from the summit of the Cascades. As a result, precipitation dramatically decreases and average temperatures increase moving east from the summit. Melting snow feeds the drainages of the Columbia River basin that are the primary source of irrigation for the vast agricultural areas of North Central and Eastern Washington. In the regions further east on the Columbia Plateau, average temperatures range between 15 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit in January and between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Annual precipitation including snowfall ranges from 30 to 80 inches. First Peoples Since time immemorial, Coast Salish and Columbia Plateau tribes and bands have lived throughout the regions that the Cascade Loop now connects. For thousands of years and up until a few hundred years ago, Native Americans were the only humans living in the area we now call Washington. Two primary cultural groups were geographically divided by the Cascades—the Coast Salish or coastal tribes living west of the mountains, near Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, and the Plateau tribes living inland, east of the mountains on the Columbia Plateau. Coastal Salish Tribes In pre-historic and historic times, coastal tribes lived in permanent villages near the rivers and along marine shorelines and were organized into many tribes, each typically having a few hundred members. Ancestors of the coastal peoples in proximity to the Cascade Loop are now part of the Samish, Swinomish, Lower Skagit, Upper Skagit, Stillaguamish, Tulalip, and Sauk- Suiattle Tribes. The term “Salish” refers to a cultural or ethnographic designation of peoples who spoke one of the Coast Salish languages, encompassing many different tribes and bands. The climate west of the Cascades, with mild temperatures and abundant sources of food from the marine waters, rivers, and Coastal Salish Elder from west of the Cascade Mountains ClimateNext >