Silent Cone erupted approximately 6,500 years ago, ejecting cinders and pumping out lava from its crater. Today, the shady north-facing slope of this cinder cone supports a forest of Limber pines and a few larger Douglas fir trees that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is one of more than 25 volcanic cones in the Craters of the Moon lava field, and a closer view can be had from the North Crater Trail along the seven mile loop.