John Day Rockhounding Roadtrip: June 28-30, 2024

Join Alison on a weekend road trip through some of Oregon's most scenic landscapes: the Clarno and John Day Formations. These geological remnants of ancient volcanic worlds yield plentiful agates, japers, calcite crystals, petrified wood, and other plant fossils. Come hike among colorful badlands, and wade through rivers in search of treasure in these beautiful places.

The group will meet in Shaniko, Oregon around lunchtime on Friday, June 28th and caravan from there. We will disband at the Painted Hills near Mitchell, Oregon, late afternoon on Sunday, June 30th. Anticipate a few hours of driving each day, mostly on paved roads. In addition to exploring desert places, we'll stop for fossil digging in the small town of Fossil, and pay short visits to two wonderful paleontology museums along our way.

We'll camp at two locations along the John Day River during the trip and Alison and her team will prepare delicious camp dinners for the group.

Notes:

Trip participants should be adults 18 and over who enjoy river swimming, dirt road driving, spending a day on their feet out in the elements, and are down to camp through all kinds of weather. Trip runs rain or shine!

All genders and vehicle types welcome. No pets.

Possible weather forecast: average daily highs of 75°F and nightly lows of 43°F. The chance that it could rain on this trip is 25%. The chance it could snow is 5%.

Cancellation policy: A full refund will be given if a participant cancels 3 weeks or more BEFORE the start date of the trip. Cancellation made WITHIN the 3 week window leading up to the trip will be given full credit towards a future trip, but no refunds will be made. Please consider this before signing up.

Alison reserves the right to postpone and cancel trips if hazards such as wildfire, heavy smoke, or flooding jeopardizes group safety. In this scenario, all trip members will be given full credit towards a future trip. Alison does her best to schedule trips outside of wildfire season.

Alison is a licensed and bonded Outfitter Guide in the state of Oregon. Permits are acquired through the Bureau of Land Management - Prineville Office. Rock collection limits set by federal agencies and laws regarding artifacts are strictly adhered to.