Skoatl Point is a volcanic plug located in the formation known as the Chilcotin Group, which lie between the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains and the mid-Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada.
A volcanic plug, also called a volcanic neck or lava neck, is a volcanic landform created when lava hardens within a vent on an active volcano. When forming, a plug can cause an extreme build-up of pressure if volatile-charged magma is trapped beneath it, and this can sometimes lead to an explosive eruption. The Skoatl Point the plug is made of columnar basalt, resulting from the rapid cooling of magma and has been revealed as the sediment surrounding it eroded away.
To reach this earth cache follow the Windy Lake Road past the Windy Lake campsite, then take a right turn onto a minor side road and continue to the parking area at the end of the road. From here use the trailhead waypoint (GC1W97Y) to get started out on the 1 1/2 to 2 hr hike to the top of Skotal Point. The trail is under 5km with most of it easy hiking until you start heading up the volcanic plug at which point things get more difficult in the winter months making this hard for children and some pets so come prepared and be safe.
To Log this Earth Cache send an email (using our geocaching profile) with answers to the following questions:
- Locate a distinct column of basalt and identify how many sides it has, and the size/shape of and crystals you can find in the basalt.
- Provide elevations at the base and the top of Skoatl Point
- Take a picture of yourself with Skoatl point in the background or of the view from the top of Skoatl Point. (optional)