The Sawtooth Crater and Ridge were formed by a shield volcano. Shield volcanos are usually built by fluid magma flows, and are named for their large size and low profile, resembling a warrior's shield lying on the ground. The Sawtooth 'shield' is about 3 miles in diameter with a central crater separated by two radial dikes extending from the central plug.  These features consist of olivine basalts and flows of platy andesite.  Visitors to the site can view the radial dikes and central plug.

To get to the crater and ridge, hike north up the creek drainage on the closed road for approximately 1/2 mile then head west uphill to the ridgeline. Follow the GPS coordinates below to the top of the central plug.