Does the mountain range completely separate the west coast from the rest of Arcanum? I can't find any means to get past it. iirc, last time I played I found a particular area through which to gain passage, but I can't remember what it was or if there were any other ways.

MINOR SPOILERS:


The usual way to get across is to advance the plot to a point at which you are directed to search for a pass through the mountains. Once you've found and cleared that pass you can travel across the mountains freely. I don't think you can find this pass without having the appropriate quest to do it.

There might be another way across but I don't know what it is.

There are also actually two passes through the mountains, but I think only one of them can be forced from the Eastern side. The other has to be found on the Western side. I could be remembering wrong though, and you can force the more Southern pass.