The key to the Cascade’s appeal is that, with all its attractions and recreational opportunities, the region is also bounded by vast domains of designated wilderness. At any time of year, it is possible to enjoy the amenities offered in any of the communities for a part of the day and then, within a brief period, to find oneself in the splendid isolation of pristine forests and towering mountains relatively untouched by human habitation. This is more challenging during the winter season, but the grand sense of solitude that one can achieve is even more complete.