Handbook 139 Craters of the Moon

A Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument Idaho

Produced by the Division of Publications National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 1991

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Using This Handbook

Craters of the Moon National Monument protects volcanic features of the Craters of the Moon lava field. Part 1 of this handbook introduces the park and recounts its early exploration. Part 2 explores how life has adapted to the park’s volcanic landscape—and how people have perceived it. Part 3 presents concise travel guide and reference materials for touring the park and for camping.

National Park Handbooks are published to support the National Park Service’s management programs and to promote understanding and enjoyment of the more than 350 National Park System sites, which represent important examples of our country’s natural and cultural inheritance. Each handbook is intended to be informative reading and a useful guide before, during, and after a park visit. More than 100 titles are in print. They are sold at parks and can be purchased by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. This is handbook number 139.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Craters of the Moon: A Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho/produced by the Division of Publications, National Park Service.

p. cm.—(Official national park handbook; 139)

1. Craters of the Moon National Monument (Idaho)—Guidebooks.

2. Geology—Idaho—Craters of the Moon National Monument—Guidebooks.

I. United States National Park Service. Division of Publications.

II. Series: Handbook (United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications); 139.

F752.C7C73 1991 917.96'59—dc20 89-13670CIP

ISBN 0-912627-44-1

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Part 1 Welcome to Craters of the Moon 4

Rift Volcanism on the Snake River Plain 7

Part 2 From Moonscape to Landscape 20

Geology of the Craters of the Moon 23

Life Adapts to a Volcanic Landscape 35

Indians, Early Explorers, and Practicing Astronauts 47

Part 3 Guide and Adviser 52

Approaching Craters of the Moon 54

Visitor Center and Programs 56

Map 58

Take the Driving Tour 59

Camping and Backcountry Use 60

Winter Recreation 61

Regulations and Safety 62

Nearby Attractions 63

Armchair Explorations 64

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