I have recently transplanted myself in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the city of Eugene, OR. It has only been a couple of weeks, but I am already making myself right at home with the food, people and most importantly the geology. While I still have a lot to learn in terms of the local geology, what I have seen so far has prompted me to declare my own personal “Columns Week” on this blog. I have set aside three Oregon outcrops to discuss throughout the week, starting off with one suggested to me by Lockwood DeWitt at Skinner’s Butte.
Located on the northern side of town west of the campus, and just a short bike ride from my place, this outcrop shows some of the most spectacular basalt columns I have come across. I have been to Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and I think these ones belong in the same category.
The columns to the right are so well preserved!
Photo by V. Malinay
Photo by V. Malinay
If you click on the image for the larger version, you can see the arrest lines.
Special thanks to Lockwood DeWitt for bringing these to my attention, and also the guy climbing for the sense of scale.
Makes me miss home. Now you understand my lack of enthusiasm when we saw the columns on the structure trip. Your pics are outstanding and I am happy to hear you are having a great time. Enjoy the Pacific Northwest my friend
It looks as if Dana Hunter and I will be doing a trip up to Quartzville on Monday (July 9). It’s an old gold mining district, and while it was poor in terms of $ value, it’s very rich in terms of geology. It’s a long day (though not physically too demanding), and short notice, but I think you’d find it a great intro to Western Cascades geology. It’s also a trip I’ve done like 40 or 50 times with a variety of groups, so it’s an area I know very, very well. DM your email to me on Twitter (@lockwooddewitt) if you’re interested, and we’ll arrange details.