Schonchin Butte
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| Schonchin Butte | |
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| Missing image Schonchin_Butte.jpg Schonchin Butte from the south | |
| Elevation: | 5,260 ft (1,603 m) |
| Coordinates: | Template:Coor dms |
| Location: | California, USA |
| Topo map: | USGS Schonchin Butte |
| Range: | Cascades |
| Type: | Cinder cone |
| Age of rock: | > 30000 yr |
| Easiest route: | hike |
Schonchin Butte is a cinder cone formation of the Cascade Range in northern California. Frothy lava, cooled in the air, created the large cinder cones throughout Lava Beds National Monument.
The butte's three quarter mile long trail leads to a panoramic view from the historic fire lookout (which is usually staffed from June to September).
Erupting more than 30,000 years ago, it spewed ash and cinders into the air much like a can of soda when shaken. A lava spatter rampart is at the very top. From the lookout panoramic views of the Medicine Lake volcano, Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin, the Clear Lake Hills and the Warner Mountains can be seen. On a really clear day, the south rim of Crater Lake in Oregon is visible.
There is a lookout on top of Schonchin Butte, built 1939 to 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The lookout was first staffed in 1941 by Roger Reid, who holds the speed record for the descent of the Butte: 3 minutes.Template:California-geo-stub