Oregon Rocks!: A Guide to 60 Amazing Geologic Sites

by Marli B. Miller

To discover astonishing rocks and landforms in the Beaver State, all that is required is a good map, a sense of adventure, and Oregon Rocks, a guide to 60 of the most compelling geologic sites in the state. The well-chosen destinations span the state's geologic history from the Triassic marble at Oregon Caves to the 240-year-old lava dome on Mt. Hood. With more active volcanoes than any other state in the Lower Forty-Eight, Oregon boasts towering behemoths, steaming fumaroles, and eroding cinder cones. Geologist Marli Miller will guide you through the ash and lava from recent eruptions to find evidence of older ones, including a supervolcano possibly produced by the Yellowstone hot spot before it tracked east, and lava that flowed all the way to the coast from eruptions near the Oregon-Idaho border. Although residents of eastern and western Oregon may not admit they have anything in common, the barnacled sea stacks near Cannon Beach and Tillamook are composed of the exact same rock as stacked lava flows on the Columbia Plateau. With beautiful photographs and informative figures and maps, this guidebook will unite Oregonians in their pursuit of outdoor exploration, be it rock hounding, peak bagging, beachcombing, or contemplating their place in the long history of the Earth.

Genres: Geology

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2021

Reviews

[Dan Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

How much you enjoy this book depends in how much you know about the basics of geology. If you know very little, you're likely to find this book a bit challenging. If you know a lot, you'll likely be bored. But if you've taken one or two classes, or spent some time doing basic reading, or especially if you're a self-taught rockhound, you'll find it really interesting.

My only real issue with the book is that the pictures were often underwhelming. Many simply didn't show the various features or formations in sufficient detail to really get a good idea of what you're looking at.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many lovely photos and I especially appreciate the ones with the labels that help me understand what I’m seeing. I had no idea that Oregon was so fascinating from a geological standpoint!! The author has done a good job of giving thorough information and making it accessible and comprehensible.

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

in-depth info on 60 sites in the Oregon state. tragically only 2 sites remotely near the Medford area, which seems silly considering it's right on the cusp of two major ranges, but I'll take what I can get

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, well-organized, and easy for a lay person to gain a lot from! Loved the maps and diagrams throughout.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spectacular book of 60 geological sites in Oregon.. I have visited all but 14 of these sites. Makes me want to go on a road trip.