The Island Viewpoint
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this destination:
- Tam-a-láu Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 44.53873, -121.27241
- Elevation: 2586 feet
Description
At the northern tip of The Peninsula, this viewpoint affords views across a pronounced notch to The Island, a protected area which harbors a pristine and unsullied example of the plateau ecosystem before it was grazed by cattle or put under the plough. The Island was accessible to hikers until 1997, but increased use was considered a threat to its uniqueness, and it can now only be accessed by special permission. After The Island was put out of bounds, the Tam-a-láu Trail was constructed to afford visitors a similar, albeit somewhat degraded, experience. The Island was declared a National Natural Landmark in 2011.
To the right you will see the Crooked River Arm of Lake Billy Chinook and to the left the Deschutes River Arm. The notch below contains interesting rock pinnacles and also a petroglyph that can be visited from the campground or the highway. The headquarters of Cove Palisades State Park is also here.
The Island is a remnant structure of Intracanyon Basalt, the last major lava flow in the area. This flow came down the Crooked River Canyon, dammed it, and backed up to create a thick deposit. Subsequent action by the rivers reformed the canyons. Layers of the sedimentary Deschutes Formation can be seen below the viewpoint.
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Contributors
- bobcat (creator)