Big Lava Field

THE SHOT

The Big Lava Field is the relatively flat valley at center right and was formed when an ancient lava bed was laid down about 300,000 years ago by a surge of basalt that flowed down the Little Salmon River in south central Washington and briefly damed the Columbia River.

The snow-capped volcano on the horizon at right of center is Mount Adams.

THE SPOT

N 45,48.6
W 121,44.54
Altitude: 1094 m

The photo was shot from the Cliff Top Viewpoint along the Grassy Knoll Trail in South Central Washington a few miles northeast of the town of White Salmon.

The trail provides an easy, relatively short hike with great views. Mount Adams is best seen from the Cliff Top Viewpoint while the Grassy Knoll provides a good view of Mount Hood in Oregon.