FUN IN & AROUND REDMOND
KNOW YOUR PEAKS
C
entral Oregon is a window into our state’s
volcanic past. Some of the peaks visible from
Redmond are extinct volcanoes — others are
merely dormant.
The smaller peaks are various byproducts of volca-
nic activity, from cinder cones to rhyolite domes. The
tallest peak visible from Redmond is Mount Jefferson
at 10,497 feet. It last erupted around the year 950.
Mount Washington is not far behind at 7,794 feet.
Scientists think it last erupted around the year 670.
The Three Sisters, known as Faith (North Sister,
10,085 feet), Hope (Middle Sister, 10,047 feet), and
Charity (South Sister, 10,358 feet) are iconic. South
Sister is the one most frequently tackled by climbers.
Three Fingered Jack (7,844 feet) lies south of
Mount Jefferson. Many smaller promontories are
visible from Redmond: Tetherow Butte is sometimes
called Cinder Butte by locals.
Cline Buttes are a popular recreation site with
many trails. Black Butte, a 6,436-foot cinder cone,
last saw volcanic activity some 1.4 million years ago.
Gray Butte and Powell Buttes, to the north and
east of Redmond, are both about 5,000 feet. Forked
Horn Butte, within city limits, is barely 200 feet high-
er than Redmond itself.
Graphic and photos from the Spokesman files
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