Treasures of the Virgin Valley Caldera, Oregon-Nevada Border, June 9-11, 2023

Join Alison on a weekend exploration of the Virgin Valley Caldera within the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge on the Oregon/Nevada border. The Virgin Valley is the remnant of a massive volcanic caldera in which petrified wood, opal, obsidian and other fabulous rocks and minerals can be found. Come learn about hot spot volcanism, the formation of volcanic glasses and the fossilization of wood as we hike around the cliffs and badlands of this long-ago disaster. We'll camp at the Virgin Valley Warm Spring each night (great swimming!) with delicious camp dinners served both nights.

We'll meet here: 42.176741, -119.897964 in Adel, Oregon, before lunchtime on Friday, June 9th, 2023, and caravan to the Virgin Valley. Participants can expect to head home midday Sunday, June 11th.

Notes: Alison is a licensed and bonded outfitter guide. This trip will be permitted by USFWS. Collecting will occur in permitted areas free of active mining claims, and on Alison's two current mining claims. Rock collection limits set by USFWS and federal laws regarding artifacts are strictly adhered to. This trip takes place on the ancestral lands of the Northern Paiute peoples.

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 in all kinds of weather. All genders and vehicle types welcome. No dogs.

Virgin Valley weather: Trip runs rain or shine! Average June high 75°F and a low of 54°F. The chance that it could rain on this trip is 25%. Extreme weather is always possible.

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 natural disasters such as wildfires, wildfire smoke, earthquakes or floods jeopardize 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.