How the Cascade Mountains were formed

The Cascade Mountain range of North America is part of the Pacific Northwest section of what is often called the “Pacific Ring of Fire“ that circles around the Pacific Ocean. The range first began forming millions of years ago through movement of the earth’s plate and volcanic action with erosion also playing a part.

The Cascade Mountains - Attribution: 

Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives

The Pacific Ring of Fire

From south to north the Ring runs around the Pacific Rim including the west coast of South and North America, the Aleutian Islands, and then south to north including Japan, Southeast Asia and New Zealand. This circle a volcanically active area that is also prone to earthquakes.  Read more