The Wilderness Is Calling
Geology Rocks
There are only 5 cities in the United States (with a population over 100,000) that have volcanoes within their city limits. 3 of the cities are in the same state? Can you name it? If you guessed Hawaii, you would be like most people we have talked to, but you would be wrong. It is true that Diamond Head in Honolulu is very well known, lesser known is the remnants of a volcano under the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson. The remaining three cities are all in Oregon. Pilot Butte in Bend, Mount Tabor in Portland and the Boring Lava Field which stretches throughout East County and within the limits of Gresham.
The Boring Lava Field, is anything but Boring. Driving around East County it is easy to spot the remnants of the lava field. Just look to the hills and buttes that make up the landmarks of the community. But ow much attention have you actually paid to these silent sentinels? These buttes are leftovers of the lava field and its more than 80 cones and offer a glimpse into the geologic past of the region. Mount Tabor and Powell Butte are better known for their recreational uses than other cones, but many more of the remaining buttes and hills in the area are now home to public parks and trails and offer an opportunity to the adventurous to explore the past.
Let Shooting Star Adventure naturalists be your guide as we aim to explore these buttes during our Monthly Mini Hike series in 2021. Join us as we traverse Gresham, Gabbart, Towle, Butler, Hogan, Jenne, Powell and Grant Butte and even more locations within the lava field. We will share our knowledge of the land, its history, flora and fauna.
photo credit – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bobs_mountain.jpg
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