Sunstones, Hot Springs & Petroglyphs - Hart Mountain: June 7-9, 2024

Join Alison on a weekend exploration of the Warner Basin and Hart Mountain in southeast Oregon in search of geologic time. Come explore a part of the world where the Earth is expanding under our feet - causing great rifts and cracks that give us magnificent fault scarps, volcanic flows, and steaming hot springs.

We'll explore the Rabbit Basin for feldspar crystals known famously as "Oregon Sunstones" and then head up to the top of Hart Mountain. We'll spend the remainder of the weekend exploring the Hart Mountain area for jasper and obsidian, and visit petroglyphs left by early peoples. Participants will learn how to identify evidence of stone tool making and archaeology laws that protect such materials.

We'll camp for 2 nights at the Hart Mountain Hot Springs with delicious camp dinners provided by Alison's team.

We'll meet here: 42.410772, -119.903408 in Plush, Oregon around lunchtime on Friday June 7, 2023. Prepare to head home Sunday morning, June 9th.

Trip participants should be adults who enjoy dirt road driving, spending a day on their feet out in the elements and are down to camp through all kinds of weather. All genders and vehicle types welcome. Trip runs rain or shine! No pets.

Possible weather forecast: average daily highs of 65°F and nightly lows of 37°F. The chance that it could rain on this trip is 25%. The chance it could snow is 10%.

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 closer 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. This trip is permitted by USFWS and the BLM. Rock collection limits set by each agency and federal laws regarding artifacts are strictly adhered to.