FOUNDATIONS IN GENESIS OF IDAHO/OREGON
FALL FIELD TRIP, SEPTEMBER 21, 2002
JORDAN CRATER AREA, OREGON

PURPOSE: Close, onsite observations and study of very recent (in fact it looks like it happened yesterday) volcanic flows with spatter cones, fissures, collapse pits, lava tubes, crater, flood basalt flows, pressure ridges, etc. Lots of black, pahoehoe lava - whatever that is? (come and find out!) Also, view one of the largest landslides in Oregon. Excellent evidences of geologic catastrophism.

SITE CONDITIONS: High desert area with elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Daytime temperatures in September are usually mild, probably in the 70’s, but we should expect the possibility of cooler conditions with always a chance of some afternoon thundershowers. Typical plants of the area are sage brush, cheat grass, mosses and lichens. No trees.

SCHEDULE: One-day trip on Saturday, September 21, 2002. All participants will meet at the intersection of Highways 95 and 55 (about two miles west of Marsing, ID) at 8:00 AM sharp!

Boise area participants can travel via Interstate Hwy 84 to Nampa and then take Highway 55 toward Winnemucca to the intersection of Hwy 95; a distance of 33 miles in about 35 minutes time.

Ontario area travelers can traverse eastward on Interstate 84 to Hwy 95 (exit 3), and south on Hwy 95 to the intersection of Hwy 55; a distance of about 43 miles or about 45 minutes travel time.

Travel will continue southward on Hwy 95, a distance of 38 miles, to junction of dirt road trending west to the Jordan Craters. The dirt road is 25 miles of improved dirt road with mostly good, crushed rock base. However, vehicles with low undercarriages should park at the Hwy 95 turnoff and carpool with those having SUV’s or other type rigs with higher clearance. Total travel time from Ontario or Boise to Jordan Craters is about 2 hours one way.

We will spend about 5 hours in the Oregon outback (no long hikes are planned), starting the return trip home around 4:00 PM.

BRING: Day pack, sack lunch, canteens with water, sunglasses, hat, light wind/rain shell, hiking shoes. Plan to “layer” clothing appropriate for hiking in unpredictable weather. Optional: binoculars, camera, notebook & pencil, and candy or cookies for the trip leader.