Perkin's Pillar facts for kids

Perkin's Pillar was a tall, narrow rock formation in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It was part of the Mount Meager massif, a group of mountains formed by volcanoes. This impressive pillar stood on the steep northern side of Capricorn Mountain. Sadly, the top half of Perkin's Pillar broke off in June 2005. Now, only a sharp, broken piece remains where the mighty summit once stood.

What Was Perkin's Pillar?

Perkin's Pillar was a natural rock tower made of volcanic rock. It was known as a volcanic plug. Imagine a giant, ancient volcano that is no longer active. Over a very long time, the soft rock around the volcano wears away. The hard rock that filled the volcano's vent, or opening, is left standing. This hard rock is what we call a volcanic plug.

A Volcanic Plug Explained

A volcanic plug forms when magma, which is molten rock from deep inside the Earth, pushes up into a volcano's vent. This magma then cools and hardens inside the vent. Over millions of years, wind, rain, and ice slowly erode the softer outer parts of the volcano. The tough, hard rock that formed inside the vent is much stronger. It resists erosion and remains standing as a tall, often dramatic, rock pillar. Perkin's Pillar was a perfect example of this natural process.

Where Was It Located?

Perkin's Pillar was located in the beautiful and rugged British Columbia wilderness. It was part of the Mount Meager massif, a large group of mountains. This area is known for its volcanic history. The pillar stood on the north side of Capricorn Mountain. This region is also part of the Pacific Ranges, a major mountain range in western North America. The coordinates for its location are 50°37′49.0″N 123°31′17.0″W.

The Day It Broke Apart

In June 2005, a significant event changed Perkin's Pillar forever. The upper half of the pillar broke off and fell. This natural collapse was likely caused by a combination of factors. These could include freezing and thawing cycles, which can expand cracks in rock, or even small earthquakes. What was once a tall, distinct pillar became a jagged, broken remnant. This shows how powerful and ever-changing nature can be.

Climbing Perkin's Pillar

Before it broke, Perkin's Pillar was a challenging and exciting climb for mountaineers. The first known successful climb to its summit happened on July 6, 2002. Three skilled climbers, Tim Bennet, Ivan Bandic, and Fred Touche, were the first to reach the top. Their ascent marked an important achievement in the climbing community. After the pillar's collapse in 2005, climbing it in its original form was no longer possible.