Benson Glacier (Oregon)

Benson Glacier is in the U.S. state of Oregon. The glacier is situated in the Wallowa Mountains at an elevation generally above 8500 ft on the eastern slopes Glacier Peak, a subpeak of Eagle Cap. The glacier was named in honor of Frank W. Benson, former Governor of Oregon during an expedition in 1914. Benson Glacier is estimated to be 560 ft long. Due to its small size, researchers have frequently questioned whether it was a glacier or a perennial snowfield. Areal photography taken in 2007 showed crevasses on the surface, confirming that it does flow and is a true glacier. It is not expected to remain a true glacier much longer, however, due to climate change.

Benson Glacier is the last remaining remnant of Wallowa Glacier which extended 20 mi, creating the lateral moraines that created Wallowa Lake during the Last Glacial Maximum. Its ice is estimated to have been 2000 ft in places. The West Fork of the Wallowa River occupies the valley it left behind.