Rainbow Range, Shield volcano mountain range in Chilcotin Plateau, Canada
The Rainbow Range is a mountain chain in western British Columbia featuring volcanic formations in various colors with peaks reaching about 2,500 meters. The landscape consists of volcanic rock layers displaying different mineral content and color tones.
The mountain formation came into being during the Miocene epoch roughly 8.7 to 7.2 million years ago through intense volcanic activity. This volcanic process shaped the region's geology in lasting ways.
The name Tsitsutl comes from the Ulkatcho people and refers to the brilliantly colored mountains that hold significance for this community. The landscape continues to shape how local people connect with their surroundings.
The mountain range lies about 40 kilometers northwest of Anahim Lake and is accessible via several hiking trails. The best access is through Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park.
The varied colors on the mountainsides come from iron oxides and other minerals in the volcanic rocks that paint the stone brown, red, and yellow. This color palette is constantly revealed anew through erosion and weathering.
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