Last updated: July 20, 2025
Place
Cinder Cones
Cinder Cones
Schonchin Butte is just one of dozens of cinder cones that dot the surface of the Medicine Lake shield volcano. These common features form when a volcanic vent throws frothy chunks of lava high into the air. They fall to the ground and rapidly build a steep pile of “cinders.” Like many vents across the Lava Beds landscape, different types of eruptions happened at Schonchin Butte over time. After the cinder cone formed, a massive flow of thicker lava poured out from the base to create the Schonchin Flow. Finally, light, sticky lava left behind a small spatter cone on top—the perfect place for a fire lookout.
For a panoramic view of Lava Beds and beyond, hike the 0.7 mile (1.1 km) trail to the top of Schonchin Butte. In summer, you may meet a ranger on duty at the historic fire lookout.
Schonchin Butte is just one of dozens of cinder cones that dot the surface of the Medicine Lake shield volcano. These common features form when a volcanic vent throws frothy chunks of lava high into the air. They fall to the ground and rapidly build a steep pile of “cinders.” Like many vents across the Lava Beds landscape, different types of eruptions happened at Schonchin Butte over time. After the cinder cone formed, a massive flow of thicker lava poured out from the base to create the Schonchin Flow. Finally, light, sticky lava left behind a small spatter cone on top—the perfect place for a fire lookout.
For a panoramic view of Lava Beds and beyond, hike the 0.7 mile (1.1 km) trail to the top of Schonchin Butte. In summer, you may meet a ranger on duty at the historic fire lookout.