Combine hiking and geology interests to have more fun in on the trail

Easy-to-read, rhyming text depicts different animals dancing.

At 4,097 feet Marys Peak towers over other mountains in the Oregon Coast Range. Dr. Robert J. Lillie draws on his experience as a geology professor, graphic illustrator and park ranger to tell the geological story of Marys Peak and its connections to Oregon's natural and cultural history. The book's vivid photographs and easy-to-follow illustrations allow the reader to imagine geological forces in action during a drive up the peak and short walk to its summit. From volcanic eruptions on an ancient seafloor, to powerful forces between tectonic plates, to the durability of hard intrusive rock, a journey up Marys Peak is truly like visiting an "Island in the Sky."

Rocks, Minerals, and Geology of the Pacific Northwest highlights100 rocks, minerals, and fossil types found in Oregon and Washington. Each entry has color photography that shows a range of possibilities in appearance and a description of the defining physical properties and textures. Lists of minerals organized by other physical properties like habit, hardness, and cleavage are included. Rocks, Minerals, and Geology of the Pacific Northwest also includes 40 landscape features viewable along trails in Washington and Oregon that will empower hikers to make observations and interpretations about how these features came to be. The essential reference for rockhounds, hikers, climbers, and geology enthusiasts More than 400 photographs, illustrations, tables, and maps showcase and explain everything from minuscule crystals to planetary tectonics Interprets the histories of dominant landscape features along regional hiking trails Profiles more than 100 minerals and rocks in detailed entries with photos, descriptions, identification graphics, and mini indexes Covers the geologic composition and 13 physiographic regions of Washington and Oregon

When the first edition of Roadside Geology of Oregon was published in 1978, it was revolutionary�the first book in a series designed to educate, inspire, and wow nongeologists. Back then, the implications of plate tectonic theory were only beginning to shape geologic research and discussion. Geologists hadn�t yet learned that Oregon�s Klamath and Blue Mountains were pieces of far-traveled island arcs and ocean basins that had been piled against the growing North American continent. Steaming volcanoes, ghost forests, recent landslides, and towns heated with geothermal energy attest to Oregon�s still-prominent position at the edge of an active tectonic plate. Author, photographer, and geologist Marli Miller has written a completely new second edition based on the most up-to-date understanding of Oregon�s geology. Spectacular photographs showcase the state�s splendor while also helping readers understand geologic processes at work. Roadside Geology of Oregon, Second Edition, is a must-have for every Oregon resident, student, and rockhound.

Geology is an extremely visual subject, and In Search of Ancient Oregon is a beautifully photographed, expertly written account of Oregon's fascinating geological story. Written by a passionate and professional geologist who has spent countless hours in the field exploring and photographing the state, In Search of Ancient Oregon is a book for all those interested in Oregon's landscapes and environments. It presents fine-art-quality color photographs of well-known features such as Mount Hood, Crater Lake, Smith Rock, Steens Mountain, the Columbia River Gorge, and Cannon Beach, and scenic, not so well known places such as Jordan Craters, Leslie Gulch, Abert Rim, Hells Canyon, Elkhorn Mountains, and Three Fingered Jack. Each of the more than 220 stunning photographs is accompanied by readable text, presenting the story of how Oregon's diverse landscapes evolved — and what we may expect in the future. Until now, no book has presented this dynamic story in a way that everyone interested in Oregon's natural history can easily understand. The combination of extraordinary photographs and the author's lucid explanations make this book both unique and essential for those curious about our own contemporary landscape.

With over 90 hikes in the Southern Cascades and Siskiyou Mountain Range, this book is easily the most comprehensive guide available for Southern Oregon's diverse hiking opportunities. Explore the Mount Thielsen, Sky Lakes, Mountain Lakes, Red Buttes, and Wild Rogue Wilderness Areas, and much more. This guide also covers all trails in Crater Lake National Park. Complete with maps, elevation profiles, and clear, informative hike narratives, this book is bound to be the standard against which all other guides for the area are judged.

* More than 80 Oregon hikes for kids and adults, accessible from urban areas * Hikes range in length from less than a mile to nearly 6 miles, with optional turn-around points * Handy sidebars with information on animals, plants, geology, and fun activities for kids to do on the hike * Special emphasis on trail highlights with child appeal * Graphic, two-color layout provides key data at a glance Search for frogs and turtles in a pond, stay in a cabin, visit a nature center, see waterfalls, or discover abundant wildlife. These are just a few of the hikes in Best Hikes with Kids Oregon that families (and anyone looking for an easy outing) will enjoy. Each hike in this guidebook offers points of interest and opportunities for kids to learn about nature on the trail. The hikes are rated easy to difficult for children, and feature optional turn-around points for tired feet.

The dramatic journeys of the 19th century Gold Rush come to life in this geologist’s tour of the American West and the events that shaped the land. In 1848, news of the discovery of gold in California triggered an enormous wave of emigration toward the Pacific. The dramatic terrain these settlers crossed is so familiar to us now that it is hard to imagine how frightening—even godforsaken—its sheer rock faces and barren deserts once seemed to them. Hard Road West brings their perspective vividly to life, weaving together the epic overland journey of the covered wagon trains and the compelling story of the landscape they encountered. Taking readers along the 2,000-mile California Trail, Keith Meldahl uses settler’s diaries and letters—as well as his own experiences on the trail—to reveal how the geology and geography of the West shaped our nation’s westward expansion. He guides us through a landscape of sawtooth mountains, following the meager streams that served as lifelines through an arid land, all the way to California itself, where colliding tectonic plates created breathtaking scenery and planted the gold that lured travelers west in the first place. “Alternates seamlessly between vivid accounts of the 19th-century journey and lucid explanations of the geological events that shaped the landscape traveled.”—Library Journal

Enjoy 50 Oregon breathtaking viewpoint hikes as you make your way from the coastal hills and the Columbia River Gorge, to the 9,800 foot peaks of the Wallowa Mountains, through the wildflower meadows of the Central Oregon Cascades and down to Southern Oregon's rugged terrain. Whether you're a beginner hiker or have been hiking your whole life, this book has it all. With 17 easy hikes, 18 moderate hikes and 15 difficult hikes throughout the state, there is no shortage of adventures to choose from that the whole family can enjoy! There are also an additional 30 honorable mention hikes in the back of the book, so you will get a total of 80 incredible viewpoint hikes!This book is organized by region and offers colored maps and pictures, as well as a QR code for each map so that you can have it on your phone. Each write-up goes over the terrain, the flora and fauna, views and possible dangers that you might incur on the trail. Enjoy pro tips on nearby towns and restaurants to stop at, and directions from 4-5 major towns in Oregon.