Prineville in Crook County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Clues to a Volcanic Past
Around forty-four million years ago, avalanches of hot ash, pumice and volcanic dust flowing from local volcanic centers filled this ancient valley. A long period of erosion followed.
These flows are still visible in the layers of Stein's Pillar. Finally, Mother Nature patiently sculpted the landscape you see today. Rain, wind and frost slowly chiseled along cracks in the rocks, forming the valley and leaving Stein's Pillar as a beacon to travelers.
Major Enoch Steen explored this area in the 1860's. His name was misspelled so often that the incorrect version became official. The pillar had aided travelers and enticed geologists for many years. The diagram may help you imagine the remaining layers of volcanic deposits that provide clues to this area's past.
Erected by United States Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features.
Location. 44° 25.025′ N, 120° 37.121′ W. Marker is in Prineville, Oregon, in Crook County. Marker is on Mill Creek Rd (NF-33), ¼ mile east of NF-3360, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in the Ochoco National Forest approximately seven (7) miles north of US Route 26. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Prineville OR 97754, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . Summit Post -- Steins Pillar. (Submitted on April 15, 2013.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 733 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 15, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.