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
Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
Order Oregon B&B Gift Certificates Now. The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. And with an 18 months expiration recipients have plenty of time to redeem them at the Inn of their choosing. They are available in $50 increments and can be redeemed at any one of our member inns..
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.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
