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Past Activity

Yapoah Crater Geology

  • Start date: 07/07/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 07/07/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This classic Obsidian hike will take us up a short section of the PCT beyond South Mathieu Lake to some excellent views of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. From the top of Yapoah Crater there is an excellent view of recent lava flows and glacial features near North Sister and Collier Cone. Climbing the volcanic cone is optional. On the return loop we will visit North Mathieu Lake, one of the most unusual lakes in the area, partly formed by a lava dam. Each hiker will receive a geologic map of the area. We will almost certainly encounter some large patches of snow. Hiking poles (at least 1) are very helpful in maintaining balance when crossing these snow patches. I highly recommend them. How much snow remains to be seen.

  • Event Leader: Tom Rundle

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-653-0741

  • Event Leader Email: vivadancero@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: South Eugene High School, 19th & Patterson

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 158

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Water, snack, lunch, attire appropriate for weather, sturdy trail shoes, trekking poles, sunscreen and bug spray.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 12.2

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 1360

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Starting at Lava Camp, we hiked up the PCT to South Mathieu Lake at a relaxed pace, encountering 4 small logs across the trail. On the way we made several stops for photography and study of the local volcanic features. We went through about 2 miles of burned or partially burned forest, mostly blackened, standing dead conifers. At South Mathieu Lake we ate lunch, followed by a 30 minute geology talk about the geologic history of the area. After lunch we continued up the PCT to Yapoah Crater, where 11 of us climbed up unconsolidated scree to the summit. It was windy on top with 30 m.p.h. gusts, difficult to walk in at times. There were some colorful, unusual rocks, including rare ones with native sulfur. We returned to Lava Camp on a loop, stopping at North Mathieu Lake for a water and snack break. On the way back we again hiked through about a mile of burned conifer stands. During the entire trip we did not find any snow directly on on the trail, although there were a few patches on the surrounding ridges.