McLeod Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McLeod Hill |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,284 m (4,213 ft) |
| Prominence | 295 m (968 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Shuswap Highland |
| Topo map | NTS 93A/01 |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Pleistocene |
| Mountain type | Tuya |
| Last eruption | Pleistocene |
McLeod Hill is a special type of volcano called a tuya. It's located in British Columbia, Canada, about 41 kilometers (25 miles) north of Clearwater. You can find it within the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park, which is part of the Wells Gray-Clearwater volcanic field.
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What is a Tuya?
A tuya (say "TOO-yah") is a unique kind of volcano. It forms when lava erupts under a thick glacier or ice sheet. As the lava cools, it creates a flat-topped, steep-sided mountain that looks a bit like a table. McLeod Hill is a great example of this!
A Volcano from the Ice Age
McLeod Hill is an ancient volcano. It last erupted around 12,000 years ago. At that time, a huge sheet of ice still covered the area, known as the Murtle Plateau. This means McLeod Hill was active during the Pleistocene epoch, which is also called the Ice Age!
Some scientists think McLeod Hill might be even older. It could be around 200,000 years old. If so, it was the source of a huge amount of lava that formed the Murtle Plateau. When you look at McLeod Hill from Green Mountain, it appears as a low, rounded hill. This is quite different from the nearby Pyramid Mountain.
Fun on McLeod Hill: Trails and Activities
McLeod Hill is a popular spot for outdoor adventures!
The Wells Gray Loppet Trail
The Wells Gray Loppet Trail is a well-known route for cross-country skiing. It goes right over McLeod Hill. The trail starts near the Murtle River and Dawson Falls. It finishes at Helmcken Falls Lodge. The total distance is about 26 kilometers (16 miles).
During most winters, volunteers from B.C. Parks help keep the ski trail in good shape. After passing the King Hut rest stop, the trail climbs steeply up McLeod Hill. Then, there's a long downhill section into the Hemp Creek Valley.
Summer Adventures
In the summer, this same trail becomes a great place for mountain biking. It's one of the few mountain biking routes available in Wells Gray Park. So, whether it's winter or summer, McLeod Hill offers exciting ways to explore nature!
