Geology Paleontology Study

We spend a day studying geology and paleontology. We start in a lab by learning about the Clarno formation (ancient mud flows more than 40 million years old (the cabins are in the Clarno formation) and up to 2000 feet above sea level, the John Day formation dating from 20 to 40 million years old and consisting of ash deposits and igneous flows, found from 2000-3000 feet above sea level, and the very highest peaks are made from Columbia River Basalts that flowed in huge volcanos 12-15 million years ago and found above the 3000 foot level. The mud flows preserved the remains of the animal and plant life that existed 40 million years ago. It was more tropical then.