Geological Features
The Murtle River flows across the huge volcanic Murtle Plateau for the last 30 km (19 mi) to the Clearwater. The lava erupted about 200,000 years ago from fissures near McLeod Hill and filled the former valley to depths of up to 250 m (820 ft). The extent of this relatively flat surface is best seen from the viewing tower atop Green Mountain.
Pyramid Mountain is a prominent feature beside the Murtle River a few kilometers northeast of the road. It is a subglacial mound which erupted under the ice about 12,000 years ago and built its 250 m (820 ft) high cone.
Below Helmcken Falls, the Murtle River rushes through Helmcken Canyon for 1.5 km (0.93 mi) until it meets the Clearwater River. The river is hemmed by sheer lava walls that rise over 200 m (660 ft) on each side.
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