Topo map USGS Brown Mountain Last eruption Over 12,000 years ago Elevation 2,240 m Volcanic arc Cascade Volcanoes | Easiest route Scramble Prominence 627 m | |
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Similar Mount McLoughlin, Pelican Butte, Aspen Butte, Pilot Rock, Yamsay Mountain | ||
Brown Mountain is a small cinder cone on top of a shield volcano located in Cascade Volcanic Arc in Klamath and Jackson counties, Oregon. Most of the mountain, including its peak, is in western Klamath County, but its western flanks trail off into eastern Jackson County. It is 7,311 feet (2,228 m) above sea level, but is overshadowed by nearby 9,495-foot (2,894 m) Mount McLoughlin.
Contents
Map of Brown Mountain, Oregon 97601, USA
GeologyEdit
Brown Mountain appears to be relatively young at first as its summit is unweathered and devoid of trees, however glacial valleys and a cirque near the summit prove that the mountain is actually twelve thousand to sixty thousand years old. Around two thousand years ago, a large lava flow consisting primarily of basaltic andesite covered 13 square miles (34 km2) of the north and western slopes with Aa-type lava over 250 feet (76 m) thick. Over its lifetime, the mountain has erupted over 1.2 cubic miles (5.0 km3) of lava.
Access and trailsEdit
Brown Mountain can be accessed via Oregon Route 140, which passes just north of the peak. It can also be accessed through the Pacific Crest Trail, and the 6.8-mile (10.9 km) Brown Mountain Trail.
Flora and faunaEdit
The area at the base of the mountain is covered with old growth forests. The mountain is also home to animals such as Douglas squirrels and pikas. Toward the summit, the land is nearly devoid of vegetation.