Earth:Barnes Butte

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Short description: Dome of volcanic rock in Crook County, Oregon, United States
Barnes Butte
Barnes Butte near Prineville, Oregon (13999908157).jpg
The north slope of Barnes Butte with Barnes Butte Reservoir below.
Highest point
Elevation3,549
Coordinates [ ⚑ ] : 44°19′07″N 120°48′38″W / 44.31861°N 120.81056°W / 44.31861; -120.81056
Geography
LocationCrook County, Oregon, United States
Geology
Age of rock~27.5 Ma[1]

Barnes Butte is a rhyolite dome of volcanic rock in Crook County, Oregon, United States located partly within the city of Prineville. Barnes Butte is composed of welded tuff and is a part of the Crooked River caldera.[2] It was the site of a 1940s mercury mine.[1][3] In 2015, a BLM cleanup of mercury was done to reduce the health risk to residents of nearby IronHorse neighborhood and the Barnes Butte Elementary School.[4]

The butte is a recreational area and includes the IronHorse hiking trail, a 4-mile (6.4 km) loop that includes a hike to the summit.[5]

The butte is considered one of three popular landmarks near Prineville and has been set aside for scenic preservation.[6]

References