The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.

[4] Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to various climate differences.

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured and shaped the landscape.

[4] The lateral blast from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens was pointed straight toward Coldwater Peak and stripped the vegetation from the slopes.

[5] Coldwater Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.