Crane Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crane Mountain |
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West face of Crane Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,451 ft (2,576 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 2,336 ft (712 m) |
| Listing | Oregon county high points |
| Geography | |
 Crane Mountain
Location in Oregon
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| Location | Lake County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Parent range | Warner Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Crane Mountain |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Fault block |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Steep rough road |
| Normal route | Hiking trail |
Crane Mountain is a tall mountain in the Warner Mountain range. It is the highest point in Lake County, Oregon, U.S.. The mountain is located southeast of Lakeview. It is part of the Fremont–Winema National Forest. A United States Forest Service fire lookout once stood near the top. It was removed in 1972. The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail runs along the mountain's crest.
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About Crane Mountain's Land
Crane Mountain is near the northern end of the Warner Mountains. It is in south-central Oregon. The mountain is about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Lakeview. The top of Crane Mountain is 8,451 feet (2,576 meters) high. It is the highest point in Lake County, Oregon.
How Crane Mountain Formed
Crane Mountain is a special type of mountain. It is called a fault-block mountain. This means it was formed when huge cracks (faults) in the Earth's crust caused blocks of land to move up. The main rock that makes up the mountain is basalt. This is a common volcanic rock.
The mountain has a steep cliff on its west side. This cliff overlooks the Goose Lake Valley. Layers of basalt rock tilt upwards. This shows older rock called rhyolite tuff underneath. You can find agates and thunder eggs in these rhyolite layers. Small amounts of gold are also found on the mountain's southern slope. This is unusual for an area mostly made of basalt. The soil around the mountain comes from broken-down basalt and tuff rocks.
Valleys and Water
Pine and fir forests grow on Crane Mountain. To the west is the Goose Lake Valley. To the east is the Warner Valley. Both are farming areas.
Five creeks flow from Crane Mountain all year. Crane Creek drains the northern slopes. Cogswell Creek and Kelley Creek drain the western and southwestern slopes. All three flow into Goose Lake. Willow Creek drains the northeast slope. Deep Creek drains the east and southeast slopes. These two creeks flow into the Warner Valley. They supply water to the Warner Lakes system.
Crane Mountain's Weather
In summer, most days are sunny around Crane Mountain. Daytime temperatures are usually mild. But nights can be quite cool. Crane Mountain gets very cold in winter. Snow usually starts in November. The snow on the mountain often lasts until May. The area gets a lot of rain and snow. It averages 40 to 65 inches (100 to 165 cm) each year. Most of this is snowfall. This is the most precipitation in this part of Oregon.
Animals and Plants of Crane Mountain
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The lower and middle parts of Crane Mountain are covered by a mixed forest. At lower elevations, you'll find ponderosa pine and some western juniper trees. Higher up, there are mostly ponderosa pine and western white pine. Mountain mahogany grows on drier slopes. At the highest parts, whitebark pine and subalpine fir are common. The ground cover in most areas is low sagebrush.
Mountain meadows have quaking aspen trees. Many wild flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Some common ones are Indian paintbrush, yellow balsamroots, phacelia, Penstemon, Clarkia, common yarrow, and spreading phlox.
Wildlife You Might See
Crane Mountain is home to many different animals. Larger mammals include mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars. Smaller animals include American badgers, porcupines, striped skunks, and different types of rabbits and squirrels.
Many birds live in the Crane Mountain forests. Some common ones are pygmy nuthatch, juniper titmouse, mountain chickadee, and different kinds of flycatchers and jays. There are also at least five types of woodpeckers. These include the red-breasted sapsucker and Lewis's woodpecker.
Many birds of prey fly over the area. You might see different kinds of owls, like the northern pygmy-owl and great horned owl. Falcons, harriers, and hawks are also common. You might even spot turkey vultures, golden eagles, and bald eagles.
Crane Mountain's History
In the summer of 1867, a group of Army scouts led by Archie McIntosh were looking for a Paiute raiding party. They followed a trail up the east side of Crane Mountain. The Paiutes ambushed the scouts. One scout was killed. The Paiutes charged, but the scouts fought them off. To avoid being trapped, the scouts had to retreat. The Paiutes chased them all afternoon and night.
A few days later, Colonel George Crook led soldiers and scouts to search Crane Mountain. They found a strong Indian fort, but it was empty.
After the Army moved the native people out, settlers came to the Goose Lake Valley. Crane Mountain was named after Samuel Crane. He was an early pioneer who settled near Goose Lake in 1869. Cogswell Creek was also named after an early pioneer.
In 1952, the United States Forest Service built a fire lookout tower on Crane Mountain. It was located near the summit. This tower helped spot forest fires. It replaced an older lookout nearby. The tower was 10 feet (3 meters) tall. There was also a small cabin for the lookout to live in. The total cost to build it was $2,828. The cabin was updated in 1963. After 20 years, the tower and other buildings were taken down in 1972.
Fun Things to Do at Crane Mountain
Crane Mountain offers many fun activities, especially in summer. You can go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and bird watching. It's also a great place for seeing wildlife, camping, and photography. Some trails on the south side are open for off-road vehicles.
In the fall, the area is known for excellent deer and elk hunting. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the western slope. However, these routes are very challenging. The weather on the mountain can change quickly, especially in winter. Always check the weather forecast before you go!
Hiking Trails
There are three trails that lead to the top of Crane Mountain. The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail reaches the summit from the north and south. The Crane Mountain Summit Trail comes up the east side.
The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail is 31 miles (50 km) long. It runs from the California border north to the Fremont National Recreation Trail. This trail is rated moderate to difficult. It covers steep and rugged land. Snow can stay on the higher parts of the trail until July. Because of this, not many people use it.
The Summit Trail starts at a parking area. This is near the junction of forest roads 4011 and 012. It's about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) east of the summit.
From the old lookout site near the top of Crane Mountain, you get amazing views. You can see the Goose Lake Valley to the west. You can also see many Warner Mountain peaks to the north and south. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Shasta and Mount McLoughlin far away. You can also see Drake Peak and Hart Mountain to the north and northeast.
How to Get to Crane Mountain
Crane Mountain is only about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Lakeview. However, getting to the hiking trails takes a longer drive. It's about a 37-mile (60 km) drive to reach the Summit Trailhead. Much of this drive is on gravel roads.
From Lakeview, head north on U.S. Route 395 for 5 miles (8 km). Then, take the exit onto Oregon Route 140. Follow Route 140 for 8 miles (13 km), past the Warner Canyon Ski Area. Turn right onto Forest Road 3615, heading south. After about 0.5 miles (0.8 km), turn west on Old Highway 140. Continue for 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Then, turn south on Forest Road 3915. Follow Road 3915 for about 9 miles (14.5 km). Then, turn right on Forest Road 4011. After 2.5 miles (4 km), turn onto Forest Road 012. There is a parking area about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) from this turnoff. The Crane Mountain Summit Trail begins there.
If you keep going on Road 4011 past the Road 012 junction, the road leads to the top of Crane Mountain. But be aware, this road is extremely steep and rough.
