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Rockhounding in the Cascades: A Guide to the Best Spots in Oregon and Washington

Created 03/28/2012 09:04 AM
Rockhounding is a popular hobby that involves the collection of rocks and minerals. The Cascade Range, which stretches from northern California to British Columbia, is a particularly popular destination for rockhounding, as it contains an abundance of different types of rocks and minerals. Whether you’re a novice collector or an experienced rockhound, there are plenty of great locations to explore in Oregon and Washington. Here’s a guide to some of the best rockhounding spots in the Cascades.

Oregon


Oregon is home to some of the most diverse geology in the United States, with plenty of great rockhounding opportunities. Here are some of the best spots to explore in the Beaver State.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument


Newberry National Volcanic Monument is located in central Oregon and is a popular spot for rockhounding and geology enthusiasts. The monument features a variety of volcanic features, including lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes. The area is also home to a variety of minerals and rocks, including obsidian, pumice, and agate.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument


The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is located in central Oregon and is a great destination for rockhounding. The monument is known for its fossils, which are some of the best preserved in the world. In addition to fossils, the area also contains an abundance of different types of rocks, including agate, jasper, and petrified wood.

Ochoco National Forest


The Ochoco National Forest is located in central Oregon and is a great destination for rockhounding. The area is known for its abundance of minerals, including agate, jasper, petrified wood, and quartz. The area is also home to a variety of fossils, including trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids.

Washington


Washington is home to some of the most diverse geology in the country, with plenty of great rockhounding opportunities. Here are some of the best spots to explore in the Evergreen State.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest


The Ginkgo Petrified Forest is located in central Washington and is a great spot for rockhounding. The area is home to a variety of petrified wood and fossils, including petrified logs and fossilized leaves. The area is also known for its abundance of agate, jasper, and petrified wood.

Columbia River Gorge


The Columbia River Gorge is located in the Pacific Northwest and is a popular destination for rockhounding. The area is known for its abundance of basalt, which can be found in the form of cobbles, boulders, and columns. The area is also home to a variety of minerals, including obsidian, pumice, and agate.

Mt. St. Helens

Mt. St. Helens is located in southwestern Washington and is a popular spot for rockhounding. The area is known for its abundance of pumice, obsidian, and other volcanic rock. The area is also home to a variety of minerals, including agate, jasper, and petrified wood.

Rockhounding in the Cascades is a great way to explore the geology of the region and find some unique rocks and minerals. Whether you’re a novice collector or an experienced rockhound, there are plenty of great spots to explore in Oregon and Washington. From petrified forests to volcanic features, the Cascade Range is home to an abundance of different types of rocks and minerals. So, get out there and start exploring!

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