Rocky Peak (Washington)

Rocky Peak
Rocky Peak seen from Eagle Point
Highest point
Elevation 6,218 ft (1,895 m) [1]
Prominence 538 ft (164 m) [1]
Coordinates 47°59′45″N 123°25′20″W / 47.995724°N 123.422261°W / 47.995724; -123.422261Coordinates: 47°59′45″N 123°25′20″W / 47.995724°N 123.422261°W / 47.995724; -123.422261 [1]
Geography
Rocky Peak
Location of Eagle Point in Washington
Rocky Peak
Rocky Peak (the US)
Location Clallam County, Washington, United States
Parent range Olympic Mountains
Topo map USGS Mount Angeles
Geology
Age of rock Eocene
Climbing
Easiest route Scrambling class 3

Rocky Peak is a 6,218 feet (1,895 m) summit in the Olympic Mountains and is located in Clallam County of Washington state. It is situated eight miles south of Port Angeles, Washington within Olympic National Park. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Angeles, 1.87 mi (3.01 km) to the west.[1] Klahhane Ridge connects these two peaks. Travelers on the scenic Hurricane Ridge Road traverse the lower south slope of Rocky Peak enroute to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center. The mountain was named Rocky Peak by local people from the time of the earliest settlers in the area.[2] Precipitation runoff from the north side of the peak drains into Rocky Creek, whereas the south slope drains into Morse Creek, thence into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Climate

Set in the north-central portion of the Olympic Mountains, Rocky 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 Olympic Mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Olympic Range, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall (Orographic lift). As a result, the Olympics experience 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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Rocky Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. ↑ "Rocky Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
  • "Olympic National Park". National Park Service.
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