About Bachelor
Bachelor is a stratovolcano rising to 2,763 meters (9,065 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5800 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Bachelor is located in United States, within the High Cascades Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 43.98° N, 121.69° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,763 meters above sea level, Bachelor rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Bachelor sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in United States near Bachelor, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Bachelor has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 5800 BCE to 5800 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
This volcanic system extends from Mount Bachelor on the N to Lookout Mountain about 20 km S, with a chain of scoria cones and small shield volcanoes between and additional volcanic features to the E. The basaltic andesite and basaltic volcanoes formed during four eruptive periods dating back to about 18,000-15,000 years before present (BP). Construction of the main scoria cone chain was completed by about 12,000 years BP, and Bachelor (formerly known as Bachelor Butte) is one of its youngest features. The latest activity produced lava flows on the E side of Sparks Lake from scoria cones on the NNE flank of Bachelor, and lava flows from Egan scoria cone on the N flank that slightly preceded the eruption of the Mazama ash from Crater Lake about 7,000-8,500 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5800 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | North flank (Egan cone) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor
Is Bachelor an active volcano?+
Bachelor is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5800 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Bachelor last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Bachelor occurred in 5800 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Bachelor has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Bachelor?+
Bachelor has a summit elevation of 2,763 meters (9,065 feet) above sea level. At 2,763 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Bachelor?+
Bachelor is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Bachelor located?+
Bachelor is located in United States, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the High Cascades Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 43.979° latitude, -121.688° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Bachelor?+
Bachelor can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. United States may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
