Topography
Santiam State Forest geologic history began 40 million years ago with the eruption of a chain of volcanos, today’s Cascade Mountains. During the Miocene era, 15 million years ago, the area was tilted and cracked resulting in many new lava flows. The rocks that result from this geologic activity are mostly basalt, andesitic flows, volcanic breccia, and tuff with smaller amounts of other igneous rocks.
Elevations in Santiam State Forest range from 1,000 to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) above sea level. The terrain is characterized by long, steep slopes leading to broad ridge tops. Stream channels are common, and in most cases, have cut deeply into the hills. Higher elevations are rocky, especially on very steep slopes and ridge crests.
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