Yamsay is the second highest volcano in the eastern arc, almost 300 feet (90 m) higher than Newberry and Medicine Lake.

A central part of Klamath mythology, the mountain offers activities such as hiking and horseback riding.

The Cascades make up the majority of the North American West Coast volcanoes; they have been volcanically active for about 36 million years.

[5] Yamsay, along with the Simcoe volcanic complex, Medicine Lake Highlands, and Newberry Volcano, make up a wayward range of shield volcanoes between 50 kilometres (31 mi) and 60 kilometres (37 mi) east of the main Cascade Range.

The volcanoes appear to be isolated from the major volcanic ranges in the Northwestern United States,[6] although scientists group them as part of the Cascades.

[7] The name Yamsay is a corruption of the Klamath (a Native American tribe of Southern Oregon) name Yamsi, a form of Yamash, meaning "north wind."

[8] Historically, the area by the mountain was inhabited by Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin Bands, all of the Snake Paiute people.

[9] The city of Klamath Falls (southwest of Yamsay) sprang up in the 1920s and featured the fastest-growing population in Oregon.

[13] Diverse life exists within the range, including endangered species like Larch Mountain Salamanders and spotted owls.