A Rockhound's Guide to Oregon & Washington

by Alison Jean Cole

Overview

• 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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781680517002
Publisher:	Mountaineers Books, The
Publication date:	05/01/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	312
File size:	58 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Alison Jean Cole is a geology enthusiast and artist. Frequently traveling all over the western states in search of material to use in her lapidary craft, she leads rockhounding expeditions, runs a geology festival in Utah, and is a proud member of the Mount Hood Rock Club. She is the author of Beautiful Rocks&How to Find Them, and publishes THUNDEREGG, a zine that focuses on the changing face of rockhounding culture. She lives in Portland, OR. Visit Alison online at alisonjeancole.com or Instagram @alisonjeancole.