Owyhee Geology Series: Introduction

Our popular Owyhee Geology Series is back! This year, we’ve decided to take a different approach for the bulk of our in-field geology education. We’ll be offering two trips: one shorter one for beginning geology enthusiasts, and one longer one for the seasoned adventurers that want to go on a longer geologic adventure.

On this shorter trip, we’ll start in Murphy, Idaho at the Owyhee Country Historical Museum and continue on to explore War Eagle Mountain, Jordan Craters, and Leslie Gulch.

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Agenda

• Day 1: Meet, drive to camp
• Day 2: Geology of the Owyhee Mountains, drive, Geology of Jordan Craters, drive, Geology of  Birch Creek, camp
• Day 3: drive, Geology of Leslie Gulch, drive, Geology of Succor Creek, congee, depart

Trip description 

Our popular Owyhee Geology Series is back! This year, we’ve decided to take a different approach for the bulk of our in-field geology education. We’ll be offering two trips: one shorter one for beginning geology enthusiasts, and one longer one for the seasoned adventurers that want to go on a longer geologic adventure.

After meeting in Murphy, Idaho (we encourage you to visit the Museum if you have time beforehand!), we will drive to New York Summit for camp. Each night, we will host a campfire and stargazing lesson, but you must bring your own favorite beverage. Alcohol is permitted so long as you enjoy responsibly. 

Each morning, we will depart camp by 8 AM so the rocks don't run away by the time we get to them! (That is a Sammy geology joke, but seriously, we’ll start early.)

After discussing the geology of the Owyhee Mountains, we will drive a few hours to Jordan Craters where we will discuss more geology. When we exhaust topics there, we will drive down to the Owyhee River near the Historic Birch Creek Ranch for camp. Some geology discussion, evening stargazing, and campfire with Friends. 

After an optional early morning hike, we will drive out of the canyon toward Leslie Gulch to discuss the Rooster Comb caldera with a short hike in Timber Gulch. In the afternoon, we will enjoy Succor Creek State Natural Area and depart.

Challenges

• There is a fair amount of driving between locations.
• Early mornings, packed days, dense information, and late nights.
• Remote and bumpy roads—we recommend an all-wheel drive vehicle with higher clearance and a spare tire.

Highlights

• Led by University of Oregon and Treasure Valley Community College Instructor and geologist Sammy Castonguay, certified rock licker and dirt worshiper.
• Sammy is also a certified yoga instructor, so each morning, you have access to a free morning yoga-on-the-land class.
• An opportunity to see the Deep Time in the Owyhee, collect unique rock samples (but not precious minerals), and spend time in the company of other geology enthusiasts.

Suggested gear

• Daypack
• Shelter (tarp or tent, stakes, ground cloth)
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Firewood
• Headlamp
• Water bottles, plenty of water
• Stove, fuel
• Cooking pot, utensils, knife
• Food: 2 breakfasts, 2-3 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks/treats
• Hygiene kit
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Sunscreen, chapstick
  • Baby wipes
  • Prescription medications
• Hiking boots or trail shoes, camp shoes
• Hiking clothes, camp clothes
• Sun hat, sunglasses
• Rain jacket, insulated jacket
• Warm hat, gloves
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Notebook and writing utensil for notes
• Camera, phone

Provided by FOTO

• Navigational lead during travel
• Wilderness First Aid training and supplies
• Printed educational material for reference
• TONS of enthusiasm for rocks

FAQ

• Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
  • Participants must be 10 years or older.
• How much does camping cost? 
  • Camping is free.
• Can I bring my dog?
  • For this trip, yes.
• Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
  • No, we will have a roster of the folks signed up.
• Can I bring my camper for this trip?
  • No. Roads are narrow, steep and bumpy; campgrounds are small

If you have any questions not answered here, please contact Sammy via email, text, or phone call: sammyc@owyheefriends.org, (541) 430-0577. Optional: if arranged with trip lead, you may meet us at camp on Friday night