Mount Tehama

Mount Tehama is an eroded stratovolcano in northern California, built from andesitic rock that reaches significant heights and spreads across a broad area. Its structure reveals multiple layers from past eruptions, cut through by dramatic canyons that expose the volcanic core.

This volcano formed through repeated eruptions thousands of years ago, building up layers of different rock types. Later, hot springs and water erosion gradually wore away the outer layers and exposed the interior structure beneath.

Native peoples of the region wove this mountain into their stories and spiritual traditions, a connection that still resonates through local names and oral histories. This deep relationship with the land shapes how visitors and communities understand the place today.

Access is easiest during warmer months when snow and water don't block routes through the terrain. Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as the ground is rocky and uneven throughout the area.

A striking canyon cuts through one side and reveals rock layers like pages in a book of volcanic history. This natural cross-section clearly shows how different rates of erosion have gradually exposed the mountain's interior.