Mount Ireland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Ireland |
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 Mount Ireland
Location in Oregon
Mount Ireland
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,325 ft (2,537 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 1,041 ft (317 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Grant County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Parent range | Elkhorn Crest of the southern Blue Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Ireland |
Mount Ireland is a tall mountain located in Grant County, Oregon, in the United States. It stands about 5 miles (8 km) east-northeast of a town called Granite, Oregon. This mountain is part of the Blue Mountains range, specifically in the Elkhorn Range.
Mount Ireland reaches a height of 8,321 feet (2,536 meters). It is the shortest and most western peak in the Elkhorn Range that is over 8,000 feet tall. It is also ranked as Oregon's 71st highest peak, meaning it stands out quite a bit from the land around it.
How Mount Ireland Got Its Name
For some years, this mountain was known as Bald Mountain. However, in 1917, its name was changed to Ireland Mountain. This change was made to honor Henry Ireland. He had been the supervisor of the Whitman National Forest for ten years, which is where the mountain is located.
Henry Ireland passed away in 1916. Local citizens and the U.S. Forest Service worked together to rename the mountain. They wanted to remember his important work. Eventually, the name became officially known as Mount Ireland. Even though the mountain's name changed, a small lake on its north side kept its original name, Baldy Lake.
Exploring Mount Ireland
Mount Ireland is found within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This area is a great place for people who love the outdoors. You can hike the Mt. Ireland Lookout Trail #1604, which is open during the summer and fall months.
The trail is considered "more difficult," but it is open to everyone. It stretches for 3.2 miles (5.1 km). The hike starts at an elevation of 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) and leads up to the Mt. Ireland Fire Lookout. From the top of Mount Ireland, you can see amazing views of the North Fork John Day Wilderness.
Gold Mining History
In the past, people set up several gold mining claims around Mount Ireland. You can still see where some of these claims were on local forest maps today. Some of these mining areas are still owned, while others were left behind a long time ago.
