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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
We have already talked about visiting Diamond Craters – a volcanic area right next door to us at Malheur.
We have already talked about visiting Diamond Craters – a volcanic area right next door to us at Malheur.
Diamond Craters - 6000 yr old lake
Tom at Diamond Craters
In early may, we headed toward the beach and took the scenic through John Day Fossil Bed National Monument. Basically, most of eastern Oregon is part of a massive, well preserved series of fossil beds. They were discovered in the last half of the 19th century, probably as a result of the Oregon migration and the subsequent gold rushes. Paleontologists have been studying the area since.
We stopped at the visitor center – the film was informative and the visitor center ranger was even more helpful. This area has been a center of volcanic activity for 45 million years (I think that number is right). The ranger helped us connect the Diamond Crater volcanic activity to the John Day area activity. He also pointed out a very large meteor crater on the Nevada/Oregon border that is related to the Diamond Crater period. Evidently there is evidence of large cracks in a circular pattern centered on this crater. Have to do some more research on the interesting topic.
We stopped at the visitor center – the film was informative and the visitor center ranger was even more helpful. This area has been a center of volcanic activity for 45 million years (I think that number is right). The ranger helped us connect the Diamond Crater volcanic activity to the John Day area activity. He also pointed out a very large meteor crater on the Nevada/Oregon border that is related to the Diamond Crater period. Evidently there is evidence of large cracks in a circular pattern centered on this crater. Have to do some more research on the interesting topic.
View from the John Day Fossil Beds Visitor Ctr - green rocks!
One of the reasons that the fossil beds in eastern Oregon are so interesting is that there were a series of volcanic eruptions that created layers of fossils during the whole "era of the mammals". The lava flows and ash layers can be dated, thus allowing paleontologists to date and sequence the various species found. The Clarno unit of the John Day Fossil Beds is northwest of the visitor center in a remote area. There are beautiful cliffs formed by lava flows and extensive plant and animal fossils.
One of the reasons that the fossil beds in eastern Oregon are so interesting is that there were a series of volcanic eruptions that created layers of fossils during the whole "era of the mammals". The lava flows and ash layers can be dated, thus allowing paleontologists to date and sequence the various species found. The Clarno unit of the John Day Fossil Beds is northwest of the visitor center in a remote area. There are beautiful cliffs formed by lava flows and extensive plant and animal fossils.
Cliffs at Clarno
Fossil of a leaf - millions of years old
Shaniko
Shaniko is way out in the middle of nowhere, but 120 years ago it was actually the wool shipping capital of the world. So we stopped to take a picture just for Suzi, MIke and Bethany, our shepherds.
Shaniko - from wool-shipping capital of the world to an "inhabited ghost town (?)"
A Shoe Tree
We passed through lots of gorgeous open country, with views of Mt St Helens, Mt Jefferson, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, etc. It's nice to take the back roads in the truck - not somewhere we'd go in the RV.
Mt Adams
The Dalles
This is where the Oregon Trail reached the Columbia River. Most of the emigrants built rafts and floated their wagons down the river or paid someone to carry them down-river. Some headed southwest on the Barlow cutoff, it was cheaper to go overland, but just as difficult.
We stopped to eat supper and watch a hockey playoff game.
Columbia River Gorge
From just east of Portland to The Dalles is the gorge of the Columbia River. Years ago it was a raging river, but today, there are several dams providing hydroelectric power and recreation in the area.
A gorgeous place, but we didn't have time to stop and play – we’re on our way to the beach!
Grayland Beach State Park
We finally made it to the beach – it took two days, but taking the scenic route was fun. We spent a couple of really nice days visiting with Tom's cousin, Darlene, and her husband, Tony. They have a 34' motorhome - we slept in the back of our truck. Though it rained most of the day Saturday, we still had a great visit. The site was just over the dunes from the beach - you could walk out and check on the birds and the sunset within a couple of minutes.
It was too rainy and rough on Saturday to see the gray whales, but after we left Sunday morning, Darlene and Tony spotted some.
Beach near Grayland
Westport Light
Very neat old lighthouse. It is so far back from the beach, we drove right by down to the walking trail on the beach. We couldn't find the lighthouse - until Tom of us headed back to the car and there it was!
Westport Light
On Sunday we headed back home, taking the more direct route past Mt Hood and through Redmond. We did take one scenic bypass to Prineville (OK, really we were hungry). But the trip home only took about 5-6 hours.
Scenic view on the way to John Day
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