Craters of the Moon

Lava Mounds

Volcanic eruptions first occurred at Craters of the Moon about 15,000 years ago. The most recent eruptions ended about 2,100 years ago and were likely witnessed by the Shoshone people. A Shoshone legend speaks of a serpent on a mountain who, angered by lightening, coiled around and squeezed the mountain until liquid rock flowed, fire shot from cracks, and the mountain exploded.