Knot My Line

Just a few miles south of the Oregon and California border, six miles east of Yreka is the town of Montague.  From this satellite photo you can easily see the odd landforms around the area.  These landforms are very unique and if you enjoy sightseeing I encourage you to visit and see the area and check them out.

Just 49 miles from Montague is the summit of Mount Shasta.  Rising majestically 14,179 feet into the sky, Mount Shasta dominates the view to the south.  Between the summit and Montague are the remains of a huge debris avalanche that occurred over 300, 000 years ago.  This mass of debris appears to us as ridges, hills and mounds rising above the flat slopes of the area.  Since they contrast markedly from their surroundings, these landforms are easy to pick out in the satellite photo.  These masses of material are comprised of a wild mixture of volcanic rock, lava flows, ash, mud, silt, and whatever else was carried along by the avalanche.  Scattered along the western slopes of the valley are volcanic boulders of all sizes.  Some are as tall as a 4 story building.

All of this make for some interesting sightseeing and gives you an opportunity to introduce the kids to some geology.

If you are driving on Interstate 5, you can enjoy much of the scenery here with just a small detour.   Traveling north on the 5 exit at the city of Weed and take Route 97 northwest as if you were going to Klamath Falls.   About 5 miles out of town is Big Springs Road.  Another 10 miles or so ahead is the 99-97 cut-off.  Take either of these and go north to Harry Cash Road.  Take Harry Cash road north and then west to Montague-Ager road in Montague.  Take Montague-Ager Road north to where it becomes Copco Road.  A short distance later you will be back at Interstate 5 at the town of Hornbrook.

As you drive you will see a variety of odd shaped landforms that you can also identify from the satellite photo. Along the way are numerous little side roads you can explore if your schedule permits.  There are a couple of cafes in Montague where you can stop for a bite to eat and where you can meet the people of the area.

The USGS has 3 short but excellent articles about debris avalanches.

For more about the State Of Jefferson see The Mythical State