Amber Collecting

Amber collecting / a.k.a. Palm Trees in Seattle

Collect remnants of Seattle's tropical past on Tiger Mountain, near Issaquah. We will find amber specimens in 3 colors: yellow, orange, and blue, and occasional tropical plant fossils. We´ll examine the geologic forces which shaped our region, and investigate historic coal-mining ruins. Access requires a two mile hike, round trip, with little elevation change. Amber is a rare and treasured substance. Our Issaquah locality is one of only five places in the U.S where amber can be easily found.  Join us for a real geologic treasure hunt!  Trip takes place on land we lease, you cannot return without a Geology Adventures guide. Trip takes place 5 miles inside a locked gate, so we cannot accommodate late arrivals or early departures.  Any vehicle can access this trailhead.  This is our most popular locality for school trips and birthday parties.

Read what Seattle Metropolitan Magazine said about this trip!
(PDF article from Jan 2007 Issue)

Price:

$34 per person

• Minimum age: 7 years
• Trip lasts 3 to 4 hours
• Scheduled only in spring and fall, as digging is impossible here during hot, dry periods.

2012 Dates:

•   March 24, May 26,  June 16.                                                                                                                                               

Additional dates offered by the Redmond, WA Parks & Recreation programs, at www.redmond.gov