Tar Heel peak
Tar Heel rises to 7,160 ft in Cascade-Range within the Cascade Range range.
With an elevation of approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), it stands as one of the notable mountains in the region. The mountain is characterized by rugged terrain and breathtaking panoramic views from its summit.
During the winter season, Tar Heel experiences a substantial snowpack range, which is vital for winter sports enthusiasts and backcountry adventurers. The snowpack typically accumulates from November to April, reaching depths of up to several meters, making it a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. This abundant snowfall ensures excellent conditions for winter activities, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Tar Heel is known for its pristine alpine environment that contributes to the surrounding water systems. Several creeks and rivers, including the nearby unnamed creek and the larger Hurley River, receive runoff from the mountain. These water sources provide a vital lifeline to diverse ecosystems downstream, supporting local flora and fauna.
The name "Tar Heel" originated from a combination of local lore and historical context. While the exact origin remains uncertain, the term "tar heel" historically referred to individuals involved in the production of tar and pitch, commonly used for shipbuilding. It is believed that the mountain received this name due to the presence of tar or pitch-like substances found in the region. Today, Tar Heel stands as a testament to the rich history and natural beauty of the Pacific Ranges.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Cascade-Range range.
Snowpack near Tar Heel
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Top | 62 in | → |
| Lyman Lake | 52 in | → |
| Nohrsc Harts Pass | 55 in | → |
| Hozomeen Camp | 3 in | → |
| Rainy Pass | 30 in | → |
| Nohrsc Park Creek Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Park Creek Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Harts Pass | 55 in | → |
| Nohrsc 21a07 - Easy Pass Am | 74 in | → |
| Beaver Pass | 1 in | → |
| Rainy Pass | 30 in | → |
| Nohrsc Brown Top | 62 in | → |
Streamflow near Tar Heel
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Skagit River At Marblemount | 5,080 cfs | → |
| Sauk River Near Sauk | 3,500 cfs | → |
| Entiat River Near Ardenvoir | 768 cfs | → |
| Salix Creek At S Cascade Gl Near Marblemount | 0 cfs | → |
| Wenatchee River At Plain | 2,740 cfs | → |
| Cascade River At Marblemount | 1,020 cfs | → |
| Mad River At Ardenvoir | 204 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Tar Heel
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Tar Heel.
Ski areas
- 108 Mile House
- China Ridge (Snowpatch)
- Apex Mountain Resort
- Stake Lake
- Nickel Plate Nordic Centre
- Lower Lake Cross Country Ski Trails
River runs
- Point On Range Line To Ruby Creek
- Pasayten Wilderness Boundary To Point On Range Line Between Sec 12, R14e And Sec 17, R16e
- Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake
- Confluence Of Canyon And Granite Creeks To Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary
- Headwaters To Confluence With Thunder Creek
- Swamp Creek To Ruby Creek
Get Tar Heel on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen