The Geological Wonders of Oregon – A Road Trip Through Oregon’s Volcanic Legacy
Oregon’s volcanic legacy isn’t just about the world-famous Mt. Hood. This state, full of volcanoes, cinder cones, lava flows, and hot springs, offers a lifetime of geological adventures when you know where to look.
Starting in Portland: Gateway to the Cascades
Portland offers the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Before you head off on your geologic adventure, take time to visit Powell’s City of Books and stock up on guidebooks covering local geology. Have a hearty breakfast at Mother’s Bistro – the Oregon Hash is a must. Revved up and ready, the volcanic legacy begins at the tip of Oregon’s largest city.
The Mighty Mount Hood
Just over an hour east of Portland lies Mount Hood, an active stratovolcano and Oregon’s highest peak. It has at least four major eruptive periods over the last 15,000 years. Hike the Timberline Trail, but remember: check the weather before you go. Snow can fall up in the Hood even during summer.
Columbia River Gorge: Carved by Ice-Age Floods
Heading toward the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll see cliffs vertically carved by cataclysmic Ice-Age floods. Vista House at Crown Point is a perfect spot to take in the views of the Gorge. Rows of waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls, formed as the floods receded, are popular spots but get crowded. Instead, try the less trodden trails at Wahkeena Falls or Oneonta Gorge.
Bend and the Newberry Crater: Obsidian Flow
A three hours’ drive southeast leads you to Bend and the Newberry Volcano. An oversized shield volcano, Newberry sports two noticeable caldera lakes and several smaller cones within its wide-span collapse area. Locals would recommend visiting during early summer when the wildflowers bloom along the shores of Paulina Lake. The Lava Land Visitor Center at the edge provides educational insight on this volcanic land.
Remember to take along a good pair of hiking boots since you’ll be exploring the Big Obsidian Flow, a relatively recent addition to Oregon’s landscape, around 1,300 years old. It’s a doozy, but the absolute silence atop the hardened black lava is worth every step.
Crater Lake: Inside a Dormant Volcano
Crater Lake is probably the crown jewel of Oregon. It’s the deepest lake in the United States and sitting inside of a dormant volcano, Mount Mazama. Stay at the Crater Lake Lodge for a memorable overnight experience. It can get nippy, even in the summer, so pack a jacket. Try to visit during late July when the park’s wildflowers are in full bloom.
Newport: The Earth Beneath the Waves
Your geological road trip winds down on the Oregon Coast, in Newport. Explore marine life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. But the true geological wonder lies beneath the waves, the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate sliding under the North American plate, causing the uplift of the coastal range and maybe your next volcano.
Before heading off, stop by South Beach Fish Market for the best clam chowder you’ll probably ever have. Or if you prefer a sweet ending, then a berry bear claw at the Bear Claw Bakery is the way to go!
Oregon’s geological wonders could be the backdrop for your greatest adventure yet. Whether it’s the grandeur of Crater Lake or the ragged beauty of the Obsidian Flow, the Beaver State’s contradictions are as vast and varied as her volcanic history. Remember, though you’re a visitor, tread lightly on these ancient lands, so generations after can share the same sense of awe. Above all, soak in every moment and enjoy what locals would say is the best of the Pacific Northwest.