At this spot north of Black Butte the Metolius River flows from an underground spring. Water gushes from beneath the ground at a rate of 50,000 U.S. gallons per minute (190,000 liters per minute). At the viewing area, you can see the springs just below you, and look downstream to the fully-formed river flowing away to the north. The exact source of the springs is unknown, but it may originate near Black Butte Ranch, south of Black Butte. The springs are believed to have been created about 1.5 million years ago…
