New Book Chronicles Washington's Volcanic History

David B. Williams has released a new book titled "In the Range of Fire and Ice: A Human and Natural History of Washington's Cascades."

The volume examines the mountain range through the dual forces of active volcanoes and glaciers, elements that Williams argues define the Cascades uniquely among the contiguous United States. No other range in the 48 states combines these active geological features with such extensive glacial coverage. The book covers more than 10,000 years of human history alongside the region's ecology.

Williams first entered the Cascades in 1978 on a middle school backpacking trip. He describes that early experience as difficult, citing a rain-soaked night, a steep trail, and cold conditions. He recently returned to Pinnacle Lake, located about 35 miles northeast of Seattle, with his wife Marjorie. That site sits in the western foothills of the range. The 1.7-mile trail to the lake contains 14 switchbacks. The couple hiked to a nearby plateau of clear ponds and exposed granite.

The author states that his goal is to weave together stories of people, geology, plants, and animals to create a biography of the place. The chapters include field time with experts and historical background. He covers subjects ranging from glaciers and wolverines to huckleberries and Clark's nutcrackers. The text addresses Native use of the landscape, climate change, and the evolving relationship between humans and wildlife.

Williams notes that ecosystems in the region have shown resilience against persistent changes. These changes include volcanic eruptions, fires, glacial scouring, and human alteration of habitats. He points to specific examples of ecological transformation, such as the recovery at Mount St. Helens. He also cites scientific efforts to understand the ecosystem and the return of carnivores like wolverines and wolves.

Williams has written 12 books previously. His prior works include "Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound" and "Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature." He also authored "Cairns: Messengers in Stone" and "Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology." The last two titles were finalists for the Washington State Book Award. He wrote "Waterway: The Story of Seattle's Ship Canal and Locks" as well.

The author serves as a Curatorial Associate at the Burke Museum. He writes a free weekly newsletter called the Street Smart Naturalist. He lives in Seattle, which he describes as his launching point for trips into the mountains. He has been hiking and camping in the Cascades for more than 50 years.