Union Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union Peak |
|
|---|---|
Union Peak with Mount McLoughlin in the background as seen from Crater Lake.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,714 ft (2,351 m) |
| Prominence | 1,509 ft (460 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | |
| Parent range | Cascade Range |
| Topo map | USGS Union Peak |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Shield volcano |
| Volcanic arc | Cascade Volcanic Arc |
Union Peak is a fascinating mountain located in central Oregon, within the beautiful Crater Lake National Park. It's not just any mountain; it's what's left of an ancient shield volcano that has been shaped by powerful forces of nature over thousands of years. Standing tall at 7,714 feet (2,351 meters), it offers amazing views and a glimpse into Earth's geological past.
Contents
Union Peak: Oregon's Ancient Volcano
Union Peak is a heavily eroded shield volcano in the Cascade Range. It sits less than 7 miles (11 km) southwest of the famous Crater Lake. Imagine a volcano that once looked like a warrior's shield lying on the ground – wide and gently sloped. That's what a shield volcano is!
What is a Shield Volcano?
A shield volcano is a type of volcano that forms from many layers of fluid lava flows. This lava spreads out easily, creating a broad, dome-shaped mountain with gentle slopes. Unlike explosive volcanoes, shield volcanoes tend to erupt more calmly, with lava flowing like thick syrup.
How Glaciers Shaped the Mountain
Over time, especially during the Ice age, massive sheets of ice called glaciers covered the land. These glaciers acted like giant bulldozers, slowly scraping away at Union Peak. They carved out deep, bowl-shaped hollows called cirques around the mountain's sides. This erosion left behind a sharp, pointed peak at the very top, known as a glacial horn.
This same process created other famous peaks in the Oregon Cascades, like Three Fingered Jack, Mount Washington, Howlock Mountain, and Mount Thielsen. Each of these mountains tells a story of ancient volcanoes being sculpted by ice.
Exploring Union Peak
Union Peak is a special part of Crater Lake National Park. This park is known for its stunning deep blue lake, which is actually a caldera (a collapsed volcano). Union Peak stands as a reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped this entire region.
Fire Lookouts and Trails
From the 1930s to the 1950s, the summit of Union Peak was an important spot for fire lookouts. These brave individuals would watch for wildfires from a small station at the top, helping to protect the forests. Today, you can still hike to the summit! A 5.5-mile (8.9 km) trail leads to the top. This trail connects to the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which is a long-distance hiking trail stretching from Mexico to Canada. You can access the trail from Oregon Route 62.
