Fire and Water: Geohydrology of the Central Oregon Cascades

USGS Photograph 

Trip Leader: Daniele McKay

The central Oregon Cascades have been shaped by geologically recent volcanism from hundreds of individual vents located in a relatively small area. Activity in this region has produced extensive lava flows, which have in turn impacted surface and groundwater systems. 

This field trip will explore Blue Lake crater, one of the youngest volcanic features in the Santiam and McKenzie pass area. The eruption occurred ~1,300 years ago when rising magma encountered groundwater, resulting in phreatomagmatic activity that produced a maar surrounded by a small cinder cone. While exploring Blue Lake crater, will discuss the eruption dynamics of magma-water interactions, and the relationship between volcanic activity and groundwater systems in this section of the Cascades.

Field Trip Overview:

This field trip is geared toward a general audience who wants to learn more about the volcanic history of the central Oregon Cascades. No geologic background is necessary.

We will meet at 1:00 pm at Link Creek Campground at Suttle Lake (see below for detailed directions). We will start with introductions and an overview of the field trip, then hike ~3 miles roundtrip to Blue Lake crater. Walking surfaces will include short sections of paved roads, dirt roads, and partially maintained trails that are steep at times. Bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the weather forecast (National Weather Service, Sisters K6K5). There will be restroom facilities at the beginning and end of the hike, but no facilities in between.

Participants must be a member of COGS or a guest of a member.  As always please leave your pets at home as they are not allowed on COGS trips.  In addition to accepting the COGS waiver (check box while registering), participants must sign a waiver provided by Caldera Arts Center whose property we will be traversing.  This waiver will be distributed to registrants in the reminder email or can be sighed at the trips beginning.

Directions:

This field trip meets at 1:00 pm in the day use parking area of Link Creek Campground at Suttle Lake. The day use parking area is located just south of the boat ramp. See the Link Creek Campground Map for details.

Vehicles will need to display either an Annual Northwest Forest Pass or a 1-Day Deschutes Pass, both of which can be purchased here. 

Ride Sharing:

Participants interested in ride sharing should meet at the Cascade Village Shopping Center in Bend at 11:45 AM. Meet in the northwest section of the parking lot, between PetSmart and Ashley Furniture.  There will be a secondary meetup location at the Sisters Ranger Station at 12:15 PM. This is an informal ride share and will be self-organizing.

Please note that although this event has no participation limit, registration is required and must be done via the registration button on the trip listing on the COGS website. Successful registration will be confirmed on the webpage by a light green box indicating registration was successful and by a confirmation email. If you do not get this email, you should try the registration process again.