Near Ontario in Malheur County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Malheur Butte
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 28, 2017
1. Malheur Butte Marker
Caption: Malheur Butte, the small volcanic feature rising from the floor of the valley remains a stark reminder of more active geologic times.
Inscription.
Malheur Butte. . Between 20 and 15 million years ago, the region from north-central Washington to northeastern California experienced a series of volcanic eruptions and basalt lava floods that covered thousands of square miles. These ancient lava floods often dammed streams, creating lakes and swamps that may have lasted for millions of years before filling with sediment or draining as erosion slowly lowered their outlets. The western Snake River plain contained many such lakes and geologists believe that between 8 and 2 million years ago, “Lake Idaho” covered much of central eastern Oregon. Sediment deposited in this lake once probably covered Malheur Butte, and during the last 2 million years the Malheur River and other eroding forces slowly exposed and shaped today’s landmark. , Although Malheur Butte has been inactive for millions of years, Malheur County is still alive with geothermal activity in the form of hot springs. Today, Oregon Trail Mushrooms uses geothermal energy at their processing plant in Vale, and efforts are being made to further utilize this unique energy source throughout the county.
Between 20 and 15 million years ago, the region from north-central Washington to northeastern California experienced a series of volcanic eruptions and basalt lava floods that covered thousands of square miles. These ancient lava floods often dammed streams, creating lakes and swamps that may have lasted for millions of years before filling with sediment or draining as erosion slowly lowered their outlets. The western Snake River plain contained many such lakes and geologists believe that between 8 and 2 million years ago, “Lake Idaho” covered much of central eastern Oregon. Sediment deposited in this lake once probably covered Malheur Butte, and during the last 2 million years the Malheur River and other eroding forces slowly exposed and shaped today’s landmark.
Although Malheur Butte has been inactive for millions of years, Malheur County is still alive with geothermal activity in the form of hot springs. Today, Oregon Trail Mushrooms uses geothermal energy at their processing plant in Vale, and efforts are being made to further utilize this unique energy source throughout the county.
Erected by Oregon Economic Development Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location.
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43° 59.136′ N, 117° 5.976′ W. Marker is near Ontario, Oregon, in Malheur County. Marker is on Thundered Boulevard (U.S. 26) near Lee Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 950 Central Oregon Highway, Ontario OR 97914, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Malheur Butte is in the background. br
This marker is second from the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 282 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 18, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.