Cascade Mountain (Alberta)

Infobox Mountain
Name = Cascade Mountain
Photo = Banff townsite with Cascade.jpg
Caption = Cascade Mountain as seen from Sulphur Mountain
Elevation = convert|2998|m|ft|0
Location = Alberta, Canada
Range = Vermillion Range
Prominence =
Coordinates = coord|51|13|40|N|115|33|45|W|type:mountain_region:CA|display=inline,title
Topographic
NTS 82O/04
First ascent = 1887 by Tom Wilson
Easiest route = scramble

Cascade Mountain is a mountain located in the Bow River Valley of Banff National Park, adjacent to the town of Banff. The mountain was named in 1858 by James Hector after the waterfall or cascade on the southern flanks of the peak. [Karamitsanis, Aphrodite (1991). "Place Names of Alberta, Volume 1". Calgary: University of Calgary Press, pg. 42] The mountain has also been called Stoney Chief, which is related to the name of the smaller neighbouring mountain Stoney Squaw, which is still in use. Cascade is the highest mountain adjacent to the townsite.

The mountain can be climbed starting from the Norquay Ski Area base. The first portion is a fairly moderate hike, up to the Cascade Amphitheatre. Continuing upwards, the route ascends along the ridge edge until it reaches the crest where it dips before it rises to the false summit. While the false summit can be descended at its end, it is much easier to follow a trail around the western side along the exposed foot. Snow typically blocks this route almost until mid July and attempting it while snowy can entail considerable avalanche risk due to the slabby terrain and exposure. A long window of clear weather - full day - should be anticipated before attempting this climb, as many climbers have gotten into trouble and needed rescue (or died) when a storm suddenly blows in. [ [http://www.rmbooks.com/peakfinder/peakfinder.ASP?PeakName=cascade+mountain Peakfinder - Cascade Mountain] ]

Ascent time: 3-4 hoursDescent time: 2-3 hrs

References