Hydromagmatic Pinnacles of the Steelhead Falls Area Geo-Exploration

Led by Nancy Wildman and Derek Loeb

Thursday, March 14, was a mild, sunny day with no wind, that is a perfect day for pinnacle viewing! There was a full group that met at the Sand Ridge Trailhead, in the Steelhead Falls area and the most impressive thing is that we were able to arrange ridesharing so only four vehicles traveled to the trailhead leaving a couple parking spots for other users. The first impression was how spectacular the snowy high Cascades looked, all of which are younger than 500,000 years, except the Black Butte, which is 1.4 million years old. What a fun surprise to hike a short distance further and look out on the rim and see an amazing tall spire. We hiked further to see more pinnacles, viewing them from different vantage points including an interesting view that Nancy Wildman pointed out, looking down at the top of a pinnacle which was in the process of eroding out from the canyon wall. The discussion was focused on how the pinnacles were formed as well as the Deschutes Formation. As we sat and ate our lunch, we viewed a crosscut pinnacle with layers of rock, including orange volcanic tuff, at horizontal angles alongside the vertical pinnacle. Derek explained how the pinnacles were formed through hydrovolcanic process, which involved explosive interaction between water and rising magma causing high energy eruptions that formed tuff rings. As we headed back towards the trailhead, we took a side trip for a short descent and closer view of the tallest pinnacle, which showed a fragmented area that had broken off. Derek also described the formation of the bench in the canyon wall which formed from Crooked Gorge basalt flowing into the canyon 345 thousand years ago, causing a basalt dam that was eventually breached by the overtopping of the backuped river. The eroded remnants of the basalt dam, termed an intracanyon basalt flow, forms the bench. It was a great day of geo-exploration with lots of valuable information from our leaders, as well as fantastic viewing.

Thanks to Joan Gallinger for the Trip Recap!

Derek Loeb

Led by Nancy Wildman and Derek Loeb

Thursday, March 14

10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Join Nancy Wildman and Derek Loeb for a geo-exploration of the Hydromagmatic Spires of the Steelhead Falls area.  The trip will begin and end at the Sand Ridge trailhead in Crooked River Ranch.   The parking area at this trailhead is limited to about 5 vehicles so ride sharing is encouraged but per COGS policy is completely voluntary.

This trip is the compliment to the Steelhead Falls Geo-Exploration of last March.  We will be looking at some of the same Hydromagmatic Pinnacles we did last year but our vantage point will be from the rim where we can gain a different and revealing perspective.  We will also have a good opportunity to see and discuss the Deschutes Formation and the much younger intracanyon Crooked River Gorge basalt.

The rim view allows for an easier approach with a total distance walked of about 2.5 miles with only minimal elevation change.  Most of the trip will be on trail but there is some off trail hiking over fairly easy terrain.  Footwear with good traction is recommended and bring hiking poles if you find them helpful. 

This is a typically drier and warmer area but because it is still winter, this trip will be weather dependent.  The NWS forecast for this area for Thursday is encouraging with a sunny conditions warming up to a high of 56.  Depending on precipitation, some portions of the trail may be muddy.  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 PetsMart and Ashley Furniture, to ride share or caravan to the trailhead.  Please be there at 9:30 AM and let me know you will be there.  Please contact Derek Loeb at DerekLoeb@gmail.com  with any questions.

Registration must be done via the registration button on the trip listing on the COGS website.  Successful registration will be confirmed on the webpage by a light green box indicating registration was successful and by a confirmation email.  If you don't get this email you should try the registration process again.  If the trip is full, please join the wait list.