Editorial Review:
The recent volcanic activity at Mount St. Helens is a continuing reminder of the explosive power of our western volcanoes. Fire Mountains of the West: The Cascade and Mono Lake Volcanoes is Stephen Harris s completely revised, thoroughly researched account of the volatile history and deadly potential of volcanoes spanning the West from California to southwestern British Columbia. Fire Mountains of the West is intended for the general reader with an interest in the geologic forces that shape our western mountainscape. It begins with an introduction to volcanoes, the processes that create them, and the glaciers that sculpt them. The heart of the book is a fascinating biography of each of the major volcanoes of the West. From the subterranean lava tube caves of the Medicine Lake volcano to the fire-and-ice formation of Mount Garibaldi, from the cataclysmic collapse of Crater Lake to the incinerating blast of modern Mount St. Helens, and from deadly volcanic gas presently killing trees at Mammoth Mountain to massive mudflows waiting to burst from Mount Rainier, Stephen Harris brings to life in dynamic, crystal-clear language the geologic story behind each of the major volcanoes of the Cascade Range and Mono Lake area. Dramatic photos and illuminating maps and diagrams graphically illustrate the features of these magnificent mountains. A brief section at the end of each chapter gives directions and descriptions for those visiting the volcano. Harris also offers a careful appraisal of the prospects of each for future eruptions some of which may be more devastating to human life and property that any in the past. The book ends with a hypothetical account of a future eruption at Mount Shasta. With a rare ability to describe geologic processes in layperson s terms and elegant prose, Harris inspires in readers great respect and awe for the rugged beauty as well as the violent potential of these majestic fire mountains.
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 
Fire Mountains of the West, 3rd Edition is excellent! 2007-06-16
Anyone interested in the history and inner workings of each of the Cascade volcanoes will find this book rewarding. Like its predecessors, the 3rd edition is well organized and clearly written. But the new edition is greatly expanded with many more (and carefully documented) technical details. The introductory chapters on volcano formation and glaciers provide a nice overview. Chapters on the individual land forms (from the 'shield' Newberry Volcano to Crater Lake and Mt. Rainier) portray a range in vulcanism. Descriptions for visitors will enhance a trip to any of the sites.
A fascinating geologic history 2003-11-09
Stephen Harris' Fire Mountains Of The West provides a fascinating geologic history of the Cascade and Mono Lake volcanoes of California. One might anticipate a technical discourse involving many geological facts: think again: this title provides an unusually lively, engaging dialogue which assumes no prior scientific background. From specific hazards of volcanoes to keys to viewing inactive volcanoes, this is an important guide.
This book is awesome. 2003-08-06
Dr. Harris has provided an outstanding guide to the Cascades here. He provides wonderful detail on all the big Cascade volcanoes from Garibaldi to Lassen, and covers Mono Lake/Long Valley, a geologically unstable area that deserves far more attention, as a bonus. Especially welcome is his information on Glacier Peak and Newberry, two of the most overlooked volcanoes of the Northwest. The geological detail is mid-range; Harris explains the chemical composition of different types of lava but does not overwhelm readers with charts and graphs. Harris sometimes crosses over into the realm of tour guide, as he provides basic instructions on how to visit and climb the Cascade volcanoes, and he provides welcome information about the prehistoric and modern histories of the mountains, including the stories about how they got their many names (the story behind Mount Adams is great). Also included is a wealth of information about glaciers and the conflict between 'fire and ice.' However, this book is primarily designed to be a lesson about the nature of the 'fire mountains,' and there Harris succeeds on every level. If you are remotely interested in geology, like to hike or climb in the Pacific Northwest, or simply live there yourself, you ought to know the story and potential of Rainier, Hood, St. Helens, and their kin. This is especially true if you have Hood or Rainier as a neighbor! Highest possible reccomendation.
Great book for nongeologists! 2003-08-05
For those of us with an interest in geology, but no degree in the field, this is a well written, easy to read and understand treatment of the subject of Cascades volcanos. It was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure into the world of vulcanism. Well worth reading.
A useful, accurate guide to a beautiful, exciting region 2002-03-07
Stephen Harris may be one of the last non-specialist authors. He doesn't confound the reader with copious scientific jargon. Insstead he conveys his love for what may be one of the last wild regions in the United States. In addition to excellent, understandable discussions of each volcano's potential danger and past history, Harris' technique enables the reader to use his book and a simple road map to plot the reader's own choice of which delightful scenic areas to visit.We visited the Oregon and southern Washington Cascades, as well as Mount Shasta, last September, and without Harris' well-planned guidebook, we would have missed many sights, such as Mount Newberry, and would have failed to fully appreciate others, such as the Columbia Gorge.
Harris' doesn't overwhelm the reader with propaganda about environmental spoliation by logging companies, but simply lets the facts speak for themselves. The book is an absolute must for anyone planning a vacation, in whole or in part, in the Cascades or Mono Lake region.
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