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Hike to a small lava dome with an associated summit crater in southwest Washington. This volcano erupted about 8000 years ago, and unlike some of the larger volcanos in the area is likely dormant.
West Crater is one of 13 volcanic cones in the West Crater-Soda Peak area of the South Cascades. It's a short trail, just about a half-mile, which ascends through a mature fir forest with a high canopy and a park-like summit overlooking a 660-foot diameter crater. Two large lava flows produced lava fields that emptied into canyons on either side of the dome, and these are also visible from the top of the crater.
From the rim of the crater, hikers enjoy a three-volcano view north, east and west. Two large lava flows produced lava fields that emptied into canyons on either side of the dome, and these are also visible from the top of the crater. Nearby is the Trapper Creek Wilderness with the Soda Peaks trail, which leads to a lovely little alpine lake.
Trailhead
