Sawtooth Crater
The Sawtooth Crater and Ridge were formed by a shield volcano. Shield volcanos are usually built by fluid magma flows, and are named for their large size and low profile, resembling a warrior's shield lying on the ground. The Sawtooth 'shield' is about 3 miles in diameter with a central crater separated by two radial dikes extending from the central plug. These features consist of olivine basalts and flows of platy andesite. Visitors to the site can view the radial dikes and central plug.
To get to the crater and ridge, hike north up the creek drainage on the closed road for approximately 1/2 mile then head west uphill to the ridgeline. Follow the GPS coordinates below to the top of the central plug.
General Information
Getting There
Elevation
5150 feet
Directions
From Baker City travel north on Interstate 84 for approximately 5.5 miles to Exit 298; Turn right off of I-84 at Exit 298 and head east on Highway 203 -Medical Springs Highway; Travel 18 miles on Highway 203 to the small town of Medical Springs; In Medical Springs turn right on the Big Creek gravel road and head southeast for 1.6 miles to the road intersection; At the Big Creek road, and Eagle Creek road (FS road 67) intersection turn right; This road becomes the Forest Service Road 70, also shown as Collins Lane; Travel on Forest Service Road 70 for about 5.4 miles to the intersection of Forest Service Road 741; park in open areas near this road junction (44.96687 North, -117.54251 West).
To get to the crater and ridge hike north up the creek drainage on the closed road for approximately 1/2 mile then head west uphill to the ridgeline. Follow the GPS coordinates below to the top of the central plug.
Location: Sawtooth Ridge lies approximately 20 miles northeast of Baker City, Oregon in section 10 and 11, T.7.S., R.42.E. GPS location is 44.97092 North, -117.54665 West; Elevation 5010 feet
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
