Barnes Butte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barnes Butte |
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The north slope of Barnes Butte with Barnes Butte Reservoir below.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,549 |
| Geography | |
| Location | Crook County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | ~27.5 Ma |
Barnes Butte is a special hill made from volcanic rock in Crook County, Oregon, United States. It's partly located right inside the city of Prineville, Oregon. This unique hill is a type of volcano called a lava dome. It formed from thick, sticky lava that piled up around a vent.
Barnes Butte is made of a volcanic rock called rhyolite and a type of rock called welded tuff. It's also part of a much larger, ancient volcanic area known as the Crooked River caldera. Millions of years ago, this whole area was very active with volcanoes.
A Hill with a History
Barnes Butte has an interesting past. In the 1940s, there was a mine on the butte. Miners dug for a shiny liquid metal called mercury there.
Over time, some mercury from the old mine stayed in the soil. To keep everyone safe, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cleaned up the area in 2015. This cleanup helped protect people living nearby in the IronHorse neighborhood and students at Barnes Butte Elementary School.
Fun Things to Do at Barnes Butte
Today, Barnes Butte is a popular spot for outdoor fun. It's a great place for people to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
One of the main attractions is the IronHorse hiking trail. This trail is a 4-mile loop that goes all the way around the butte. You can even hike to the very top of the hill! It's a perfect way to explore the area and see great views.
A Special Place in Oregon
Barnes Butte is considered one of the most important natural landmarks near Prineville. It's a beautiful part of the landscape that people want to protect.
Because it's so special, the butte has been set aside for scenic preservation. This means it's protected so that its natural beauty can be enjoyed for many years to come.
