Cascades, WWF ecoregion in Oregon, United States

Cascades is a WWF ecoregion in Oregon, United States, covering the Oregon portion of the Cascade Range. It spans a long north-south band of mountains, foothills, and valleys, with wet western slopes and drier eastern sides.

The ecoregion was shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years, and native peoples have lived in the area for thousands of years. In the 19th century, settlers arrived via the Oregon Trail, and later conservation efforts led to the protection of large forest areas.

The name Cascades comes from the many waterfalls along the Columbia River, a feature that early travelers and mapmakers noted. Today, small towns and visitor centers along the range use the name to mark their place in this mountain landscape.

Access is easiest from the main north-south highways, with many trailheads and forest roads leading into the mountains. Weather changes fast with elevation, so carry layers and check road conditions before setting out.

The ecoregion contains the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake, which sits in a collapsed volcano. Another surprise is the presence of old-growth forests with trees that can live for over a thousand years.