Three Sisters, Complex volcano in Cascade Range, Oregon, United States
Three Sisters is a volcanic complex in the Cascade Range made of basalt that forms three separate peaks. Each summit rises above 3,000 meters and displays traces of past eruptions through lava fields and crater formations.
The three volcanoes formed during different periods between 120,000 and 50,000 years ago. The youngest eruption took place around 2,200 years ago and left ash deposits across the surrounding area.
Indigenous groups view these peaks as important landmarks connected to creation stories and ancestral journeys. Hikers today encounter place names from native languages that honor the original inhabitants and their connection to the land.
Multiple trailheads in Deschutes National Forest provide access to the peaks, with routes ranging from moderate hikes to demanding climbs. Snowmelt usually begins in summer, making the higher elevations easier to reach during that season.
Researchers recorded slight ground uplift and minor earthquakes between 2020 and 2021 near the site. These movements suggest magma beneath the surface slowly rising into upper layers.
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