A Rockhound's Guide to Oregon & Washington - by Alison Jean Cole (Paperback)

About the Book

"Alison Jean Cole has carefully selected 60 top sites and guides readers to such finds as agates and jaspers in Washington's Cascades and Oregon's Blue Mountain, petrified wood and leaf fossils in the Owyhee Uplands, or jades and marbles in the North Cascades and southeastern Oregon. A Rockhound's Guide to Oregon & Washington emphasizes that rockhounding is about quality not quantity. Readers will find thorough explanations of federal and state collecting rules, rockhounding ethics, as well as a framework for a tread-lightly ethos. A section on tools and preparedness guides the beginning collector, and a glossary of terms is a helpful resource for all budding geologists. In addition to detailed information on where exactly to begin a rock hunt, every location features an overview of the area's geologic history and age, what types of rocks are worth finding there, needed tools, land manager, and collection limits. Clear driving directions with GPS coordinates, road quality and trip safety information, best season to go, and an informative map round out each description"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

• Features 60 outstanding rockhounding sites
• Emphasizes rockhounding basics, sustainable collecting, and Leave No Trace principles
• Each location features an overview of the area's geologic history along with what types of rocks and fossils you may find

The Pacific Northwest's complex geologic history makes it a treasure trove for rockhounds. Collected here are 60 sites where you can explore ancient sea-floors, epic lava flows, glacier-carved landscapes, and evidence of 200 million years of tectonic action. Discover agates and jaspers in the volcanic Cascade Range and marine fossils along the Oregon Coast. Search for concretions along the Olympic Peninsula, petrified wood in the Owyhee Uplands, and much more.

In addition to detailed information on where exactly to begin a rock hunt, every location features an overview of the area's geologic history and age, what types of rocks are worth finding there, needed tools, land manager, and collection limits. Clear driving directions with GPS coordinates, road quality and trip safety information, best season to go, and an informative map round out each description.

"Whether you are a geology enthusiast or a die-hard rockhound, a fine arts jeweler or a lifelong pebble puppy, I wrote this book with every type of rock-lover in mind. Out here, interesting rocks are everywhere. Let's go find them."--FROM THE INTRODUCTION