The older I get, the more I come to the realization that the things I enjoyed as a child are really where it's at...spelunking through the wilderness, adventuring, and collecting treasures are inherently rejuvenating and restorative activities. It was only a matter of time before rock hounding came back around. So not knowing what the hell I'm doing, I of course got a book... "Rockhounding Oregon" by Lars Johnson. Just to make it more geeky, I of course bought the signed copy. Lawdy I love Powell's. The book informs you of some of the tools and stuff you will need. There is also helpful information in each section about how to get there, where to look, and what you can hope to find.
For my preliminary expedition, which happened to coincide with Christmas Eve, I wanted a short little jaunt, so I perused the book and found a close spot where the Willamette meets the Clackamas at Clackamette Park. Cute name huh? So obviously as you can see...totally picturesque. *dripping with sarcasm*
What this spot lacks in terms of elegance and whimsy, it more than makes up for in the sheer amount of loot you can find. For God sakes, the freaking concrete and gravel is strewn with fancy stones. So for a first time rock hounding adventure, this park was instantly gratifying.
I just walked along the river and examined the gravels for super opaque or interesting specimens. I think all of the storms made finding stones easier, as I was informed by a rock hounding buddy that it tends to churn up material. It was nice that nature had the stones all wet for me due to the rains, as when they are dry they all just look like crusty, busted rocks.
Clackamette Park is known for quartz, agate, jasper, and petrified wood. Now, I'm a total nube, but I'm convinced that I DID find petrified wood, quartz, and agate. (I'll have to update the post after the polishing is completed.) I did fall into the river twice due to excavating the river banks. The mounds recede and new material sticks out...so I just plucked stones out of the muck one-by-one. I would totally suggest swooping through for your inaugural rock hunt. I have gone hunting at other spots since and have not been nearly as successful. More about that mess next blog...
I just walked along the river and examined the gravels for super opaque or interesting specimens. I think all of the storms made finding stones easier, as I was informed by a rock hounding buddy that it tends to churn up material. It was nice that nature had the stones all wet for me due to the rains, as when they are dry they all just look like crusty, busted rocks.
Clackamette Park is known for quartz, agate, jasper, and petrified wood. Now, I'm a total nube, but I'm convinced that I DID find petrified wood, quartz, and agate. (I'll have to update the post after the polishing is completed.) I did fall into the river twice due to excavating the river banks. The mounds recede and new material sticks out...so I just plucked stones out of the muck one-by-one. I would totally suggest swooping through for your inaugural rock hunt. I have gone hunting at other spots since and have not been nearly as successful. More about that mess next blog...