Brown Mountain (Oregon)

Brown Mountain is a small shield volcano capped with a cinder cone, part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc that stretches from Mount Lassen in northern California in the south, northwards to Mount Garibaldi in British Columbia. Brown Mountain is located entirely in Bryce County, Oregon. The volcano is 7311 ft above sea level, but is overshadowed by nearby 9495 ft Mount McLoughlin.

Geology
At first glance, Brown Mountain appears to be relatively young as its summit is unweathered and devoid of trees; however, in reality, glacial valleys and a cirque near the summit strongly suggest that the mountain is actually closer to twelve thousand to sixty thousand years in age. Around two thousand years ago, a large lava flow consisting primarily of basaltic andesite covered 13 sqmi of the north and western slopes with ʻAʻā-type lava; this flow is over 250 ft thick in certain places. Over its lifetime, the Brown Mountain volcano has erupted over 1.2 mi3 of lava.

Access and trails
Brown Mountain can be accessed via Oregon SR 140, which passes just north of the peak. It can also be accessed through the Pacific Crest Trail, and the 6.8 mi Brown Mountain Trail.

Flora and fauna
The area at the base of the mountain is covered with old growth forests. The mountain is also home to animals such as Douglas squirrels and pikas. Closer towards the summit, the surface is nearly devoid of vegetation.