Harry W. Higman and Earl J. Larrison’s Pilchuck: the life of a mountain (1949) is a foundational ecological text that chronicles the complex biological and human geography of Mount Pilchuck, a prominent peak in the Cascade Range of Washington. Moving beyond a strict botanical or zoological survey, the authors detail how the mountain's rugged habitat niches—home to species like pikas, marmots, and mountain goats—were deeply understood and actively managed by the Coast Salish, Stillaguamish, and Tulalip peoples. The narrative reveals how these indigenous communities established ancient alpine hunting routes and resource networks across the high crags long before Euro-American arrival. As the region modernized, the text implicitly shows how the United States Forest Service eventually mapped early twentieth-century trails and fire-spotting infrastructure directly onto the mountain's established topography, transforming remote ecological zones into managed civic outposts. By blending meticulous natural history with an awareness of the region's human footprints, Higman and Larrison document the deep, interdependent alliances between local communities and their surrounding environments, ultimately demonstrating how the cooperative management of Mount Pilchuck bridged its ancient indigenous use and its modern conservation legacy.

Natural history, Natural history Cascade Range, North America Cascade Range, Pilchuck, Mount, Sciences naturelles Cascades, Chaîne des

"Facsimile reproduction 1974."Originally published: Seattle : Superior Pub. Co., ©1949Includes index

"Facsimile reproduction 1974."Originally published: Seattle : Superior Pub. Co., ©1949Includes index