
Oregon!
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Updated 25 days ago
Found in Oregon!
Oregon's geological profile is rich and varied, shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and erosion. Here's an overview:
Geological History:
Accretion and Terranes: Oregon's geology begins with the accretion of terranes (pieces of crust) to the western edge of North America. These terranes include the Blue Mountains, Klamath Mountains, and Siletzia (which forms much of the Coast Range).
Volcanic Activity:
Cascade Range: Formed by subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate beneath North America, leading to the creation of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. This includes active volcanoes like Mount Hood and extinct ones like Mount Mazama (which formed Crater Lake).
Columbia River Basalt Group: One of the most extensive flood basalt provinces in the world, these basalts covered much of Oregon and Washington about 17-14 million years ago, creating the Columbia Plateau.
Sedimentary Deposits: Various sedimentary layers reveal Oregon's past as both a marine and terrestrial environment, with notable deposits in the John Day Basin.
Ice Age Floods: The Missoula Floods around 15,000 years ago significantly shaped the landscape of eastern Oregon, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge.
Geological Features:
Mountain Ranges:
Cascade Range: Dominant features with peaks like Mount Hood and volcanoes of various activity levels.
Coast Range: Comprised mainly of Siletzia, an accreted oceanic plateau.
Blue Mountains: In eastern Oregon, with a complex structure from multiple terranes.
Basins: The Willamette Valley, John Day Basin, and Harney Basin are significant, each with unique geological histories.
Coastline: Characterized by dramatic cliffs, sea stacks (like Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach), and sandy beaches, all influenced by coastal uplift and erosion.
Lakes and Craters: Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama, is one of Oregon's geological marvels.
Geologic Resources:
Minerals: Oregon is known for agates, thundereggs, and other gemstones, with significant gold mining history in areas like the Klamath Mountains.
Fossils: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument offers insights into Oregon's paleontological history, showcasing one of the world's best records of plant evolution.
Volcanic Resources: Pumice, perlite, and other volcanic materials are mined, alongside geothermal resources.
Geological Hazards:
Earthquakes: The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses a significant risk for major earthquakes and tsunamis.
Volcanic Activity: Active volcanoes in the Cascades could erupt, with varying levels of impact.
Landslides: Due to the varied topography and sometimes unstable geology, landslides are a concern, especially in areas with steep slopes or after heavy rainfall.
Educational and Research:
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): Provides extensive resources, maps, and research on Oregon's geology, including hazard assessments.
Geological Tourism: Sites like the Painted Hills, Newberry Volcano, and the Oregon Caves National Monument draw tourists interested in geology.
Oregon's geological diversity not only shapes its landscape but also influences its economy, from agriculture and forestry to mining and tourism. The state's geological profile is a testament to the dynamic nature of earth sciences, providing endless opportunities for study and appreciation.
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Room with a view!
RyanzRocksNear Leslie Gulch. Leslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.46 views -
Lake Owyhee!
RyanzRocksLake Owyhee State Park is a remote gem in eastern Oregon, perched on the northeastern edge of the Owyhee Reservoir, about 40 miles southwest of Ontario. It’s a stark contrast to Leslie Gulch, which sits on the reservoir’s eastern shore, but they’re part of the same wild, volcanic landscape. The park spans the shores of the 53-mile-long Owyhee Reservoir, formed by the Owyhee Dam in 1932, and it’s a hotspot for camping, boating, and fishing amid a deep, colorful canyon that’s a testament to the area’s volcanic past.48 views -
Entering the Gulch!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.54 views -
What planet am I on?!?!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.58 views -
Beautiful day at the Gulch!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.67 views -
Cliffs at Leslie Gulch!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.40 views -
PEOPLE CLIMB THESE!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.43 views -
Jagged!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.46 views 1 comment -
Blue Skies at the Gulch!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.45 views -
Cool formations!
RyanzRocksLeslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel. Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.45 views