Steelhead Falls Geo-Exploration

Led by Nancy Wildman and Derek Loeb

Saturday, March 11

10 AM-3:00 PM

Join Nancy Wildman and Derek Loeb for a geo-exploration of the Steelhead Falls area.  The trip will begin and end at the Steelhead Falls trailhead. 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Steelhead+Falls+Trailhead/@44.4111488,-121.2948942,556m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x54bf278cf5bdd0e7:0x422e4cae55f0c290!8m2!3d44.411145!4d-121.2927002!16s%2Fg%2F11bwptsm9j

We will first walk upstream about a half of a mile to a beautiful example of a relatively young intra-canyon basalt and its relationship to the older Deschutes Formation.  We will return to the trailhead and descend into the canyon as we walk downstream to Steelhead Falls which is set up by a contact of two intra-canyon basalt flow episodes.  Along the way we will view classic examples of the diversity and complexity of the Deschutes Formation with good exposures of both its volcanic and volcaniclastic rock types.  We will proceed farther downstream before hiking up a drainage to some very impressive examples of hydromagmatic features which have been exhumed to various extents by the erosion of the canyon by the Deschutes River.  This part of the hike will be on a user trail and is steep with loose footing conditions.  Total distance for the trip will be about 4.5 miles and 550' of elevation gain.  Good footwear and hiking poles are recommended. This is a typically drier and warmer area but because it is still winter, this trip will be weather dependent.  This is a Wilderness Study Area so trip participation is limited to 12 people.   Bend area participants may meet at Cascade Village Shopping Center, between Pets-Mart and Ashley Furniture, to ride share or caravan to the trailhead.  Please be there at 9:10 AM and let me know you will be there.  Please contact Derek Loeb at