Mount Pisgah (Lane County, Oregon) facts for kids
Mount Pisgah is a special hill located in Lane County, Oregon, United States. It stands about 1,060 feet (323 meters) taller than the flat Willamette Valley around it, reaching a total height of 1,531 feet (467 meters). This hill was named after a famous mountain mentioned in the Bible.
Mount Pisgah sits between two parts of the Willamette River: the Coast Fork and the Middle Fork. It's only about 2 miles (3 kilometers) southeast of where these two river sections meet. The city of Springfield is just north of Mount Pisgah, and Eugene is a few miles to the west. The hill is part of the huge 2,363-acre (956-hectare) Howard Buford Recreation Area. At the base of the hill, you'll also find the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, which is a non-profit park dedicated to plants.
Exploring Mount Pisgah: Trails and Views
Mount Pisgah is a great place for outdoor adventures! The Lane County Parks Department takes care of several hiking trails here. You can reach the very top of the hill by following a steep 1.4-mile (2.3-kilometer) trail. This trail starts from a parking area near the bottom of the hill. Many other trails wind through the nearby arboretum and up the sides of Mount Pisgah, offering different ways to explore.
When you reach the summit, you'll be treated to an amazing view of the southern Willamette Valley. There's even a special bronze sculpture at the top. It's a memorial for Jed, the son of famous author Ken Kesey. This sculpture shows the land around you and helps you identify many of the mountains and other natural features nearby.
Discovering the Mount Pisgah Arboretum
The Mount Pisgah Arboretum covers 209 acres (0.85 square kilometers) right at the base of Mount Pisgah. It's a wonderful place to visit, with 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails that take you through natural areas along the river. You can also see hundreds of different plant species that have been carefully identified and cataloged. There's a small fee of $4 per car to enter, and you can buy your permit at a self-service pay station.
The Rocks of Mount Pisgah: A Look at Geology
Mount Pisgah is made up of a type of rock called basalt, or its close relative, diabase. These are dark, volcanic rocks. If you look closely at the rock outcrops, especially near the top of the hill, you might spot small, shiny crystals. These are often calcite and different types of zeolite minerals. Some of the specific minerals that have been found in this area include agate, calcite, heulandite, jasper, malachite, mesolite, and quartz.
