Come along as we go Rockin' Across the Cascades, and you'll explore the way Washington was assembled. Our state contains pieces of ancient sea floor, volcanic islands, fossil-rich sediments, and huge masses of magma crystallized into granites, porphrys, andesites and basalts. At the end of our trip, you'll be able to identify these and other rock types, and will have collected heaps of the beautiful specimens they contain.
The Klondike Mountain formation, exposed near Republic, contains abundant fossil plants from the tropical forest which once covered Washington. Everyone will find interesting fossils at this very easy access locality, which is stop #4 on our three days of family geology adventure.
We'll collect rocks, minerals, and fossils as we explore the Cascade and Okanogan mountains. Drive at your own pace as we rendezvous at 4 collecting localities in 2 days, then spend the third day collecting at the famous Rock Candy Mine. One evening you'll enjoy campfire (or breakfast room) science programs, including our famous 'Edible Geology', the other we will prospect for minerals which glow in the dark under ultra-violet light.
Trips begin in North Bend, WA and end in Grand Forks, B.C. (50 miles north of Republic, Washington). We spend the first night near Grand Coulee Dam, where we'll arrive in time for the laser light show, the world´s largest. In 2008 we're offering 2 versions of this trip, one camping, the other in motels. On the camping version, the camp fee is included in the trip price. On the motel version, we provide a booking code which will get you a discount at 'our' motels, which average $100/room. You are welcome to stay at other motels than the ones we have chosen. Motel cost is not included in trip price.
PRICE:
$120 per adult, $90 per child.
- Drive your own car
- Driving distance Seattle to Grand Forks, B.C.: about 300 miles including 30 miles of good logging road.
Rockin' Across the Cascades is offered in even numbered years.
Camping version: June 20, 21, & 22, 2008
Motel version: July 19, 20, & 21, 2008
