Summer 2011 Field Trips
Below are some brief descriptions of the field trips we will be taking this quarter. Please see me if you have any questions or concerns. It is always a good idea to bring water, food, sunblock and a hat, raingear (if it looks cloudy), and comfortable walking shoes. On longer trips (Cle Elum, Mt. Rainier and the Columbia Plateau) we will make a grocery stop. On all other trips, plan to bring food and water. (Return times are approximate but please account for some delays from traffic. In most cases we will be back earlier.)
Trips that meet outside of class time are subject to change through the end of the first week of class, in order to find a time that works best for the class.
Don't forget your field book, hand lense and "translation dictionary"
(ID charts,
etc. from Assignment B).
 |
Cougar Mountain What was Issaquah like 30 million years ago? How do geologists interpret geologic history from the rocks? On this first trip we will learn basic field techniques while uncovering the local geologic history. Trip will include a short trail walk, so wear walking shoes. |
|
Cle Elum Travel to the east side of the mountains to explore the variety of rocks found at the nexus of the Columbia Plateau, North Cascade Mountains and South Cascade Mountains (yup, there is a difference). Trip will include a 1.5 mi round-trip walk down an old logging road to Peoh Point (it's worth the view). Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for sun. |
 |
 |
Snoqualmie River Examine the core of the Cascades as we follow the scenic middle fork of the Snoqualimie River into the heart of the mountains. We'll see what happens to rocks when they are exposed to temperature of over 1000°C and explore the plumbing of a ancient volcano! Be prepared for sun. |
|
Discovery Park Stroll the beach at Discovery Park in Seattle to uncover the glacial history of Puget Sound. Trip includes a short walk up and down the beach. Be prepared for exposure to the sun and walking in sand. |
 |
 |
Columbia Plateau Visit the vast remains of the lava flows that covered Eastern Washington between about 17 and 6 million years ago. We'll also explore evidence for what was going on between the flows and the massive Ice Age floods that swept over the plateau in the Pleistocene. Be prepared for sun! |
|
Mt. Rainier Travel to Mount Rainier to explore the life and death of volcanoes. This trip has two parts: The first half of the trip will examine the volcanic hazards Mt. Rainier poses to people living in the surrounding valleys. Then we will visit the volcano itself and examine it's spectacular rocks and glaciers. This trip will involve a ~2 mi round-trip hike at Sunrise. Wear good walking shoes and be sure to bring water and sunblock. |
 |