FOUNDATIONS IN GENESIS OF IDAHO/OREGON
Spring Field Trip, April 12, 2003
Hells Canyon of Idaho and Oregon

TRIP OVERVIEW:  Erosion of Hells Canyon has exposed rocks that have a very exciting geologic history to tell.  How did the deepest canyon in North America form?  Why did the strange oxbow bend in the Snake River occur where it is?  These and many other questions will be discussed during this early spring field trip.  Hells Canyon of the Snake River is spectacular and dynamic to the visitor.

The one day field trip will officially start at Cambridge, Idaho and terminate at Big Bar on the Idaho side of Hells Canyon.  Periodic stops will be made to observe canyon configuration, review varying displays of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, discuss how they were formed, and what they reveal about past conditions.  Comparisons will be presented between the creation and the evolution genesis of Hells Canyon.

MEETING POINTS AND TRIP ROUTE
Boise area folks will meet in the parking lot at WINCO just off I-84 at the Meridian exit at 7:00 am on April 12th.  The car caravan will travel to Cambridge via I-84 turning at Exit 3 onto State Hwy 95, continuing north to Cambridge, where we will meet up with all participants at the Elementary School parking lot at 9:00 am.  Cambridge is located on Hwy 95 at the intersection of Hwy 71.  The Elementary School is situated on Hwy 71, about one block west (left) of the Hwy 95/Hwy 71 intersection.
          
The trip will continue along Hwy 71 into Hells Canyon.  We will continue along Hwy 71 to the Oxbow Dam area where we will have several observation stops and also have lunch.  The afternoon will be devoted to hands-on study of the geologic exposures, between Oxbow Dam and Hells Canyon Dam, discussing the strange rock types we will see and why this steep-sided canyon reflects a catastrophic beginning.