Norse Peak Wilderness

The Norse Peak Wilderness was established by the 1984 Washington State Wilderness bill and is managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This area was heavily grazed by domestic sheep between 1890 and 1950. ==Geographic features==

Norse Peak Wilderness is characterized by forested slopes and jutting volcanic peaks. The local streams flow through narrow valleys into lower elevation meadows. The topography includes broad open park-like basins at higher elevations. Elevations range from 3,000 feet (900 m) at the Greenwater River in the north to 6,856 foot (2090 m) Norse Peak in the west and 6900 foot (2100 m) Fifes Peaks, a prominent remnant volcanic cone in the east. The eastern portion is drained by tributaries of the Naches River. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail follows closely the Cascade divide in the Norse Peak Wilderness. The historic Naches Pass Trail runs east and west just outside its northern boundary. Several additional trails provide access to other portions of the wilderness ==Flora and fauna==

The wilderness hosts deer and elk in the basins and meadows, and a herd of goats range over the upper alpine peaks. The area is also home to cougar, coyote and black bear. It is also rumored to be home to grey wolf, though this has yet to be confirmed. Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock and pine fill the forests, and the meadows are full of a variety of lesser growth. The undergrowth of the forest is dense and also varied. ==References==