Willow Creek has a geological and hydrological history deeply tired to the region’s volcanic activity and erosional processes. The creek flows through a landscape shaped by layers of basaltic lava flows, primarily from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, which were later capped by Rimrock Basalt during the Pleistocene. Over the millennia, Willow Creek carved into the land, exposing these layers of geological history. Hydrologically, the creek has been influenced by the semi-arid climate of central Oregon. From its source at Foley Butte in the Ochocos to its confluence with the Deschutes, its flow patterns reflect seasonal precipitation and snowmelt.

The history of irrigation in Madras is integral to the development of its agricultural landscape. In the early 20th century, settlers recognized the need for a reliable water source to support farming. This led to the establishment of irrigation districts, such as North Unit, which began delivering water from the Deschutes River in the 1940s. The construction of reservoirs, canals, and diversion systems transformed the dry, grasslands into productive farmlands. Crops such as wheat, carrots, and alfalfa flourished, and irrigation became the backbone of the local economy.

But for a land so defined by water, both in the carving of its landscape and the development of its economy, there is a scarcity of it. Continuing droughts has reduced the amount of irrigation water by half. Improvements in infrastructure and water management are being developed and implemented to allow farmers to adapt to the challenges of water scarcity and climate variability in the hopes of sustaining agriculture in Madras.

On this ride, you will see the canals that transport irrigation water hundreds of miles, the arterial ditches that continue its journey, the ponds that store it, and the sprinklers that finally release it onto the crops.

Around 2-3 million years ago, during the transition from the Pliocene to the Pleistocene Epoch, volcanic activity resumed after a period of geological stillness in the Deschutes Basin. Basaltic lavas erupted from local volcanic vents, including Round Butte, filling low lying areas and cavities and capping the older Dalles sediments. These lavas, collectively referred to as Rimrock basalt, now define the edges of the canyons in the area. Round Butte itself began as a volcanic shield and continued to evolve, culminating in explosive activity that created two small summit cinder cones.

This ride will take you fully around Round Butte, notice its shape as you encircle it and how it protrudes from surrounding farm and range land.