McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Belknap Viewpoint, OR

From this viewpoint you can see the Belknap Crater Complex, clear evidence of "recent" volcanic activity. The Belknap Crater Complex, a broad shield five miles in diameter and about 1,700 feet thick, was formed by fields of lava vents that erupted profusely about 1500 years ago.

One exception is Little Belknap, which erupted about 3000 years ago. When Little Belknap was formed, lava poured twelve miles to the west and ash was ejected from the northernmost of the two summit craters.