Medicine Lake | U.S. Geological Survey
Source: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/medicine-lake
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Medicine Lake | U.S. Geological Survey
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Medicine Lake
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The map displays volcanoes, earthquakes, monitoring instruments, and past lava flows.
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Medicine Lake
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Medicine Lake volcano is situated just east of the Cascade Volcanic Arc axis in northern California's high desert 55 km (35 mi), northeast of Mount Shasta.
Quick Facts
Location:
California, Siskiyou & Modoc Counties
Latitude:
41.611° N
Longitude:
121.554° W
Elevation:
2,412 (m) 7,913 (f)
Volcano type:
composite (red map area)
Composition:
basalt to rhyolite
Most recent eruption:
950 years ago
Nearby towns:
Malin, Merrill, Tulelake, Dorris, Klamath Falls (OR)
Threat Potential:
High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
Summary
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Medicine Lake caldera viewed from the south rim facing north.
Also known as the Medicine Lake Highlands, this volcanic region covers a total area of about 2,200 km
2
(850 mi
2
), extending approximately 80 km (50 mi) north-south and 50 km (30 mi) east-west. A shallow, but wide (7x12 km, 4.3x7.5 mi) caldera basin containing its namesake lake is located at the summit of the volcano. Intermittent, mostly effusive (non-explosive) eruptions over the last half-million years produced this large, shield-shaped volcano. In the last 13,000 years, effusive flank eruptions created expansive lava flows with single flows covering as much as 195 km
2
(75 mi
2
). Two-thirds of Lava Beds National Monument, on the north flank of the volcano, is covered by one such flow. Seven of the nine eruptions of the last 5,200 years, however, included an early explosive phase. The two youngest sent ash tens of miles downwind during their explosive phases before switching to slow effusion of thick, glassy-looking lava flows (obsidian) forming Little Glass Mountain about 1,000 years ago, and, Glass Mountain about 950 years ago. Exploratory drilling and geophysical studies reveal a high temperature geothermal system below Medicine Lake volcano fueled by a deeper zone of partially molten rock (magma). Ground surveys by USGS scientists show that the center of the volcano is slowly subsiding, due to motions on through-going regional faults and weakening of the rocks by high heat flow. Most notable seismically over the last three decades were a series of shallow earthquakes in 1988-89 (magnitudes of 4.1 and less).
Can't make it to the Moon? Try California's volcanoes!
April 7, 2026
Can't make it to the Moon? Try California's volcanoes!
Exploring lava tubes at Medicine Lake volcano
September 23, 2025
Exploring lava tubes at Medicine Lake volcano
Medicine Lake Volcano part of newly-designated Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
January 14, 2025
Medicine Lake Volcano part of newly-designated Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
View All
February 25, 2019
California’s exposure to volcanic hazards
California’s exposure to volcanic hazards
The potential for damaging earthquakes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, and wildfires is widely recognized in California. The same cannot be said for volcanic eruptions, despite the fact that they occur in the state about as frequently as the largest earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault. At least ten eruptions have taken place in the past 1,000 years, and future volcanic eruptions are...
Authors
Margaret Mangan, Jessica Ball, Nathan Wood, Jamie L. Jones, Jeff Peters, Nina Abdollahian, Laura Dinitz, Sharon Blankenheim, Johanna Fenton, Cynthia Pridmore
By
Volcano Hazards Program
,
Volcano Science Center
,
California Volcano Observatory
,
Clear Lake Volcanic Field
,
Coso Volcanic Field
,
Lassen Volcanic Center
,
Long Valley Caldera
,
Mammoth Mountain
,
Medicine Lake
,
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
,
Mono-Inyo Craters
,
Mount Shasta
,
Salton Buttes
,
Soda Lakes
,
Ubehebe Craters
October 22, 2018
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
When erupting, all volcanoes pose a degree of risk to people and infrastructure, however, the risks are not equivalent from one volcano to another because of differences in eruptive style and geographic location. Assessing the relative threats posed by U.S. volcanoes identifies which volcanoes warrant the greatest risk-mitigation efforts by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners...
Authors
John W. Ewert, Angela K. Diefenbach, David W. Ramsey
By
Volcano Hazards Program
,
Volcano Science Center
,
Agrigan
,
Ahyi Seamount
,
Alamagan
,
Anatahan
,
Asuncion
,
Belknap
,
Black Butte Crater Lava Field
,
Black Rock Desert Volcanic Field
,
Blue Lake Crater
,
Carrizozo Lava Flow
,
Cascade Range Weekly Update
,
Cinnamon Butte
,
Clear Lake Volcanic Field
,
Coso Volcanic Field
,
Crater Lake
,
Craters of the Moon Volcanic Field
,
Daikoku Seamount
,
Davis Lake Volcanic Field
,
Devils Garden Lava Field
,
Diamond Craters Volcanic Field
,
Dotsero Volcanic Center
,
East Diamante
,
Esmeralda Bank
,
Farallon de Pajaros
,
Fukujin Seamount
,
Glacier Peak
,
Guguan
,
Haleakalā
,
Hell's Half Acre Lava Field
,
Hualālai
,
Indian Heaven Volcanic Field
,
Jordan Craters Volcanic Field
,
Kama‘ehuakanaloa
,
Kasuga 2
,
Kīlauea
,
Lassen Volcanic Center
,
Long Valley Caldera
,
Mammoth Mountain
,
Markagunt Plateau Volcanic Field
,
Maug Islands
,
Mauna Kea
,
Mauna Loa
,
Medicine Lake
,
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
,
Mono-Inyo Craters
,
Mount Adams
,
Mount Bachelor
,
Mount Baker
,
Mount Hood
,
Mount Jefferson
,
Mount Rainier
,
Mount Shasta
,
Mount St. Helens
,
Newberry
,
Ofu-Olosega
,
Pagan
,
Red Hill-Quemado Volcanic Field
,
Ruby
,
Salton Buttes
,
San Francisco Volcanic Field
,
Sand Mountain Volcanic Field
,
Sarigan
,
Soda Lakes
,
South Sarigan Seamount
,
Supply Reef
,
Ta'u Island
,
Three Sisters
,
Tutuila Island
,
Ubehebe Craters
,
Uinkaret Volcanic Field
,
Valles Caldera
,
Wapi Lava Field
,
Weekly Update
,
West Crater Volcanic Field
,
Yellowstone
,
Zealandia Bank
,
Zuni-Bandera Volcanic Field
January 1, 2011
Database for potential hazards from future volcanic eruptions in California
Database for potential hazards from future volcanic eruptions in California
More than 500 volcanic vents have been identified in the State of California. At least 76 of these vents have erupted, some repeatedly, during the past 10,000 yr. Past volcanic activity has ranged in scale and type from small rhyolitic and basaltic eruptions through large catastrophic rhyolitic eruptions. Sooner or later, volcanoes in California will erupt again, and they could have...
Authors
Melissa N. White, David W. Ramsey, C. Dan Miller
By
Volcano Hazards Program
,
California Volcano Observatory
,
Clear Lake Volcanic Field
,
Coso Volcanic Field
,
Lassen Volcanic Center
,
Long Valley Caldera
,
Mammoth Mountain
,
Medicine Lake
,
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
,
Mono-Inyo Craters
,
Mount Shasta
,
Salton Buttes
,
Soda Lakes
,
Ubehebe Craters
View All
November 6, 2023
Seismic monitoring at Medicine Lake
The seismic network at Medicine Lake volcano includes five seismometers. The network was installed in 1978 and the most recent instrument was added in 2009.
By
California Volcano Observatory
,
Medicine Lake
Seismic monitoring at Medicine Lake
November 6, 2023
Seismic monitoring at Medicine Lake
The seismic network at Medicine Lake volcano includes five seismometers. The network was installed in 1978 and the most recent instrument was added in 2009.
Learn More
November 6, 2023
Deformation monitoring at Medicine Lake volcano
Ground surveys by USGS scientists show that the center of the volcano is slowly subsiding, due to motions on through-going regional faults and weakening of the rocks by high heat flow.
By
California Volcano Observatory
,
Medicine Lake
Deformation monitoring at Medicine Lake volcano
November 6, 2023
Deformation monitoring at Medicine Lake volcano
Ground surveys by USGS scientists show that the center of the volcano is slowly subsiding, due to motions on through-going regional faults and weakening of the rocks by high heat flow.
Learn More
November 3, 2023
Hazards Summary for Medicine Lake
The pattern of eruptions over the last 13,000 years suggest that the chances of a future eruption at Medicine Lake volcano are about 1 in 3,600 in any given year.
By
California Volcano Observatory
,
Medicine Lake
Hazards Summary for Medicine Lake
November 3, 2023
Hazards Summary for Medicine Lake
The pattern of eruptions over the last 13,000 years suggest that the chances of a future eruption at Medicine Lake volcano are about 1 in 3,600 in any given year.
Learn More
View All
Quick Facts
Location:
California, Siskiyou & Modoc Counties
Latitude:
41.611° N
Longitude:
121.554° W
Elevation:
2,412 (m) 7,913 (f)
Volcano type:
composite (red map area)
Composition:
basalt to rhyolite
Most recent eruption:
950 years ago
Nearby towns:
Malin, Merrill, Tulelake, Dorris, Klamath Falls (OR)
Threat Potential:
High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
Volcanoes Hazards Program Links
Assess
Prepare
Forecast
Activity
Products
Observatories
About
Was this page helpful?
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Medicine Lake
Find U.S. Volcano
Filters
Learn More
The map displays volcanoes, earthquakes, monitoring instruments, and past lava flows.
Get Help
Earthquake Plots
To view an earthquake cross-sectional plot, click "Draw Plot" to start drawing on the map. Once the plot area is selected, click on "View Plot" to view chart or "Clear Plot" to start over.
Map Layers
Earthquake Colors
Earthquake Depth Units
Earthquake Time Units
Results
Filters
Learn More
The map displays volcanoes, earthquakes, monitoring instruments, and past lava flows.
Get Help
Earthquake Plots
To view an earthquake cross-sectional plot, click "Draw Plot" to start drawing on the map. Once the plot area is selected, click on "View Plot" to view chart or "Clear Plot" to start over.
Settings
Map Layers
Earthquake Colors
Earthquake Depth Units
Earthquake Time Units
x
Map Legend
x
Map Legend
Results
Medicine Lake
Home
Science
Data
Maps
Multimedia
Publications
News
Connect
Medicine Lake volcano is situated just east of the Cascade Volcanic Arc axis in northern California's high desert 55 km (35 mi), northeast of Mount Shasta.
Quick Facts
Location:
California, Siskiyou & Modoc Counties
Latitude:
41.611° N
Longitude:
121.554° W
Elevation:
2,412 (m) 7,913 (f)
Volcano type:
composite (red map area)
Composition:
basalt to rhyolite
Most recent eruption:
950 years ago
Nearby towns:
Malin, Merrill, Tulelake, Dorris, Klamath Falls (OR)
Threat Potential:
High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
Summary
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Medicine Lake caldera viewed from the south rim facing north.
Also known as the Medicine Lake Highlands, this volcanic region covers a total area of about 2,200 km
2
(850 mi
2
), extending approximately 80 km (50 mi) north-south and 50 km (30 mi) east-west. A shallow, but wide (7x12 km, 4.3x7.5 mi) caldera basin containing its namesake lake is located at the summit of the volcano. Intermittent, mostly effusive (non-explosive) eruptions over the last half-million years produced this large, shield-shaped volcano. In the last 13,000 years, effusive flank eruptions created expansive lava flows with single flows covering as much as 195 km
2
(75 mi
2
). Two-thirds of Lava Beds National Monument, on the north flank of the volcano, is covered by one such flow. Seven of the nine eruptions of the last 5,200 years, however, included an early explosive phase. The two youngest sent ash tens of miles downwind during their explosive phases before switching to slow effusion of thick, glassy-looking lava flows (obsidian) forming Little Glass Mountain about 1,000 years ago, and, Glass Mountain about 950 years ago. Exploratory drilling and geophysical studies reveal a high temperature geothermal system below Medicine Lake volcano fueled by a deeper zone of partially molten rock (magma). Ground surveys by USGS scientists show that the center of the volcano is slowly subsiding, due to motions on through-going regional faults and weakening of the rocks by high heat flow. Most notable seismically over the last three decades were a series of shallow earthquakes in 1988-89 (magnitudes of 4.1 and less).
Can't make it to the Moon? Try California's volcanoes!
April 7, 2026
Can't make it to the Moon? Try California's volcanoes!
Exploring lava tubes at Medicine Lake volcano
September 23, 2025
Exploring lava tubes at Medicine Lake volcano
Medicine Lake Volcano part of newly-designated Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
January 14, 2025
Medicine Lake Volcano part of newly-designated Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
View All
February 25, 2019
California’s exposure to volcanic hazards
California’s exposure to volcanic hazards
The potential for damaging earthquakes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, and wildfires is widely recognized in California. The same cannot be said for volcanic eruptions, despite the fact that they occur in the state about as frequently as the largest earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault. At least ten eruptions have taken place in the past 1,000 years, and future volcanic eruptions are...
Authors
Margaret Mangan, Jessica Ball, Nathan Wood, Jamie L. Jones, Jeff Peters, Nina Abdollahian, Laura Dinitz, Sharon Blankenheim, Johanna Fenton, Cynthia Pridmore
By
Volcano Hazards Program
,
Volcano Science Center
,
California Volcano Observatory
,
Clear Lake Volcanic Field
,
Coso Volcanic Field
,
Lassen Volcanic Center
,
Long Valley Caldera
,
Mammoth Mountain
,
Medicine Lake
,
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
,
Mono-Inyo Craters
,
Mount Shasta
,
Salton Buttes
,
Soda Lakes
,
Ubehebe Craters
October 22, 2018
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
When erupting, all volcanoes pose a degree of risk to people and infrastructure, however, the risks are not equivalent from one volcano to another because of differences in eruptive style and geographic location. Assessing the relative threats posed by U.S. volcanoes identifies which volcanoes warrant the greatest risk-mitigation efforts by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners...
Authors
John W. Ewert, Angela K. Diefenbach, David W. Ramsey
By
Volcano Hazards Program
,
Volcano Science Center
,
Agrigan
,
Ahyi Seamount
,
Alamagan
,
Anatahan
,
Asuncion
,
Belknap
,
Black Butte Crater Lava Field
,
Black Rock Desert Volcanic Field
,
Blue Lake Crater
,
Carrizozo Lava Flow
,
Cascade Range Weekly Update
,
Cinnamon Butte
,
Clear Lake Volcanic Field
,
Coso Volcanic Field
,
Crater Lake
,
Craters of the Moon Volcanic Field
,
Daikoku Seamount
,
Davis Lake Volcanic Field
,
Devils Garden Lava Field
,
Diamond Craters Volcanic Field
,
Dotsero Volcanic Center
,
East Diamante
,
Esmeralda Bank
,
Farallon de Pajaros
,
Fukujin Seamount
,
Glacier Peak
,
Guguan
,
Haleakalā
,
Hell's Half Acre Lava Field
,
Hualālai
,
Indian Heaven Volcanic Field
,
Jordan Craters Volcanic Field
,
Kama‘ehuakanaloa
,
Kasuga 2
,
Kīlauea
,
Lassen Volcanic Center
,
Long Valley Caldera
,
Mammoth Mountain
,
Markagunt Plateau Volcanic Field
,
Maug Islands
,
Mauna Kea
,
Mauna Loa
,
Medicine Lake
,
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
,
Mono-Inyo Craters
,
Mount Adams
,
Mount Bachelor
,
Mount Baker
,
Mount Hood
,
Mount Jefferson
,
Mount Rainier
,
Mount Shasta
,
Mount St. Helens
,
Newberry
,
Ofu-Olosega
,
Pagan
,
Red Hill-Quemado Volcanic Field
,
Ruby
,
Salton Buttes
,
San Francisco Volcanic Field
,
Sand Mountain Volcanic Field
,
Sarigan
,
Soda Lakes
,
South Sarigan Seamount
,
Supply Reef
,
Ta'u Island
,
Three Sisters
,
Tutuila Island
,
Ubehebe Craters
,
Uinkaret Volcanic Field
,
Valles Caldera
,
Wapi Lava Field
,
Weekly Update
,
West Crater Volcanic Field
,
Yellowstone
,
Zealandia Bank
,
Zuni-Bandera Volcanic Field
January 1, 2011
Database for potential hazards from future volcanic eruptions in California
Database for potential hazards from future volcanic eruptions in California
More than 500 volcanic vents have been identified in the State of California. At least 76 of these vents have erupted, some repeatedly, during the past 10,000 yr. Past volcanic activity has ranged in scale and type from small rhyolitic and basaltic eruptions through large catastrophic rhyolitic eruptions. Sooner or later, volcanoes in California will erupt again, and they could have...
Authors
Melissa N. White, David W. Ramsey, C. Dan Miller
By
Volcano Hazards Program
,
California Volcano Observatory
,
Clear Lake Volcanic Field
,
Coso Volcanic Field
,
Lassen Volcanic Center
,
Long Valley Caldera
,
Mammoth Mountain
,
Medicine Lake
,
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
,
Mono-Inyo Craters
,
Mount Shasta
,
Salton Buttes
,
Soda Lakes
,
Ubehebe Craters
View All
November 6, 2023
Seismic monitoring at Medicine Lake
The seismic network at Medicine Lake volcano includes five seismometers. The network was installed in 1978 and the most recent instrument was added in 2009.
By
California Volcano Observatory
,
Medicine Lake
Seismic monitoring at Medicine Lake
November 6, 2023
Seismic monitoring at Medicine Lake
The seismic network at Medicine Lake volcano includes five seismometers. The network was installed in 1978 and the most recent instrument was added in 2009.
Learn More
November 6, 2023
Deformation monitoring at Medicine Lake volcano
Ground surveys by USGS scientists show that the center of the volcano is slowly subsiding, due to motions on through-going regional faults and weakening of the rocks by high heat flow.
By
California Volcano Observatory
,
Medicine Lake
Deformation monitoring at Medicine Lake volcano
November 6, 2023
Deformation monitoring at Medicine Lake volcano
Ground surveys by USGS scientists show that the center of the volcano is slowly subsiding, due to motions on through-going regional faults and weakening of the rocks by high heat flow.
Learn More
November 3, 2023
Hazards Summary for Medicine Lake
The pattern of eruptions over the last 13,000 years suggest that the chances of a future eruption at Medicine Lake volcano are about 1 in 3,600 in any given year.
By
California Volcano Observatory
,
Medicine Lake
Hazards Summary for Medicine Lake
November 3, 2023
Hazards Summary for Medicine Lake
The pattern of eruptions over the last 13,000 years suggest that the chances of a future eruption at Medicine Lake volcano are about 1 in 3,600 in any given year.
Learn More
View All
Quick Facts
Location:
California, Siskiyou & Modoc Counties
Latitude:
41.611° N
Longitude:
121.554° W
Elevation:
2,412 (m) 7,913 (f)
Volcano type:
composite (red map area)
Composition:
basalt to rhyolite
Most recent eruption:
950 years ago
Nearby towns:
Malin, Merrill, Tulelake, Dorris, Klamath Falls (OR)
Threat Potential:
High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
Volcanoes Hazards Program Links
Assess
Prepare
Forecast
Activity
Products
Observatories
About
Was this page helpful?