Schonchin Butte

Schonchin Butte
Schonchin Butte from Cave Loop Road. Tule Lake is in the right background. The snowcapped peaks around Crater Lake are visible in the left background.
Highest point
Elevation	5,306 ft (1,617 m) NAVD 88[1]
Prominence	582 ft (177 m)[1]
Coordinates	41°44′17″N 121°31′45″W / 41.73799°N 121.52908°W / 41.73799; -121.52908[2]
Geography
Location	Lava Beds National Monument, Siskiyou County, California
Parent range	Cascade Range
Topo map	USGS Schonchin Butte
Geology
Age of rock	more than 30,000 years
Mountain type	Cinder cone
Volcanic arc	Cascade Volcanic Arc
Climbing
Easiest route	trail

Schonchin Butte is a cinder cone on the northern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano in the Cascade Range in northern California. Frothy lava, cooled in the air, created the large cinder cones throughout Lava Beds National Monument. It is named for Old Schonchin, a chief of the Modoc people during the late nineteenth century. Erupting more than 30,000 years ago, the volcano spewed ash and cinders into the air much like a can of soda when shaken. A lava spatter rampart is at the very top.

The butte's 3⁄4-mile-long (1.2 km) trail leads to a panoramic view from the historic fire lookout. From the lookout panoramic views of the Medicine Lake Volcano, Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin, the Clear Lake Hills and the Warner Mountains can be seen. On a really clear day, the south rim of Crater Lake in Oregon is visible.