Horse Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horse Ridge |
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Horse Ridge seen behind the Oregon Badlands Wilderness
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| Geography | |
| Location | Deschutes County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Range coordinates | 43°54′36″N 121°03′58″W / 43.910°N 121.066°W |
Horse Ridge is a group of hills in eastern Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. These hills are actually old volcanic ridges. They are found south of Highway 20, near the town of Millican, and south of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness.
A special protected area for nature, called the Horse Ridge Research Natural Area, covers the northern parts of these ridges. It was created in 1967 to protect the unique environment. A large crack in the Earth's crust, known as the Brothers Fault Zone, cuts through the ridges. Scientists have found dark volcanic rock here that is about 7.5 million years old!
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Discovering Horse Ridge
Horse Ridge is a series of old volcanic hills located in central Oregon. It's a cool place to visit, especially if you enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The ridge is part of a larger natural landscape in Deschutes County.
It sits south of a main road, Highway 20. You can find it west of the small community of Millican. It's also just south of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, which is another interesting natural area.
The Natural Area at Horse Ridge
A big part of Horse Ridge is protected as a Research Natural Area. This means it's a special place where scientists can study nature. It helps keep the plants and animals safe.
This protected area was set up in 1967. It mostly covers the northern and northeastern slopes of the ridges. This helps preserve the unique plants and wildlife that live there.
Horse Ridge's Volcanic History
Horse Ridge is made up of old volcanoes. Over millions of years, lava flowed and cooled, forming these ridges. This area has a long and interesting geological past.
A huge crack in the Earth's crust, called the Brothers Fault Zone, runs through the ridges. This fault is a major geological feature in Oregon. Scientists have studied the dark volcanic rock found here. They found that this rock is about 7.5 million years old! This tells us how ancient these volcanic hills truly are.
Fun Activities at Horse Ridge
Horse Ridge is a popular spot for outdoor fun, especially in the winter. It's known as a great place for mountain biking. Many people come here to ride their bikes on the trails.
There are about 30 miles (or 48 kilometers) of trails to explore. These trails offer a good challenge for mountain bikers. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
