Oregon’s geological history is a fascinating tale of shifting landscapes, volcanic eruptions, and the relentless forces of plate tectonics. The state’s terrain has been shaped over hundreds of millions of years through a complex interplay of geological processes.
Oregon’s diverse geology tells a story of dynamic earth processes that have unfolded over millions of years. From ancient seabeds to towering volcanoes and glacially carved valleys, the state’s landscapes are a testament to the powerful forces that continue to shape our planet.
An EarthCache is a type of virtual geocache that provides an educational experience about a geological feature at a specific location. Unlike traditional geocaches, EarthCaches don’t have a physical container or logbook. Instead, visitors learn about Earth’s natural processes by observing the site and answering questions related to its geology.
If you know, you know: this maps shows the Earthcaches in Oregon represented by the blue dots. As you can see there are quite a few and I’ll select a few from each Oregon Region. Many of our innkeepers are cachers and we’re always excited to share our favorite finds
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area formation started approximately 40-60 million years ago. Pressure of molten lava pushed granite from inside the earth and caused the outline of the Columbia Basin.
EarthCaches in the Columbia River Gorge
- Hood River Spit GC93C4R
- Missoula Ice Age Floods GC4T299
- Columbia River Tors GC6PBPF
- Killer waves, Dude! GC1XHQC
- Pulpit Rock GC6PA6Q
Featured image: Mushroom Rock GC1QE1W in the Columbia River Gorge. While not an Earthcache this formation is a stunning example of the geology in the Columbia River Gorge.
EarthCaches in the Willamette Valley
- Glacial Erratic Rock GC14JT5 – 40-ton rock was deposited during a prehistoric flood
- Tualatin Basin: Flood Channels and Ripple Marks II – GC91AVW
EarthCaches in Eastern Oregon
- Moraine GC1HGF3 – view glacial moraines near Wallowa Lake
- Royal Purple Lookout GC1H6GE – The easiest way to do this earthcache, is to ride the Wallowa Lake Tram to the top of the mountain.
EarthCaches on the Oregon Coast
- Cape Lookout – GC8AJQ0 – Cape Lookout protrudes more than 2 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of thick Columbia River Basalt flows originating from Eastern Oregon.
- Cape Kiwanda – GC8B0GE – Cape Kiwanda is an excellent exposure of the Astoria Formation, which consists of primarily windblown sandstone and some mud stones originating from near and offshore sands, mud, and submarine fans
EarthCaches in Central Oregon
- John Day Fossil Beds (Mascall Formation Overlook) – GC2WF2H – This Earth Cache is focused on the forces that created such a fossil rich environment
- The Rattlesnake Formation – GC3R2JZ – The visible rimrock to the north is a volcanic ash flow about 5 million years old.
EarthCaches in Portland
- Rocky Butte EarthCache – GC205HJ – Rocky Butte is an extinct volcanic cinder cone. It is one of three, along with Powell Butte, and Mount Tabor that are located inside the city limits.
- Willamette & Columbia Confluence – GC1HM4G – The confluence of the great Columbia River and Willamette River. These two rivers meet at this point and sweep towards the Pacific Ocean with an enormous force of nature
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
Order Oregon Association of Independent Inns Gift Certificates Now. They are available in $50 increments and can be redeemed at any one of our member inns. With more than 20 member inns to choose from and an 18-month expiration period, recipients have ample time to redeem their stay at the inn that best suits their travel style.
Three Ways to Order Gift Certificates:
Order online. Don’t include your credit card information on that form. We will call you for payment information
E-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
