Boring Lava Field

The Boring Lava Field is a volcanic region in the Portland area that spreads across parts of Oregon and Washington, marked by numerous cinder cones, shield volcanoes, and lava flows. Most formations sit beneath forests, though some peaks like Powell Butte and Mount Tabor have been developed as parks where trails reveal the geological features.

Volcanic activity created this field roughly 2.7 million years ago through repeated cycles of eruptions over vast timescales. The most recent known eruption happened at Beacon Rock about 57,000 years ago, making this one of the younger volcanic landscapes in the region.

The Chinook people established communities throughout this volcanic landscape before European arrival. Their settlements around the formations reflected how they adapted to and understood the terrain as part of their daily world.

The area is open year-round, with hiking trails available at Powell Butte Nature Park and Mount Tabor Park to explore the volcanic features. Most of the terrain is forested and can become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is important for safe exploration.

The field contains more than 80 volcanic vents scattered across the landscape, with some potentially hidden beneath sediments left by ancient Missoula Floods. These buried features reveal how water events layered additional material over the original lava surface.

GPS coordinates: 45.30000,-122.50000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31