July 14th 2018 – I decided since I’m going to miss the July 21st trip, and since this is such a good site for agate material, I’m going to lead a group there on July 14th. This is the west side of Red Top mountain north of Cle Elum. There is no hike involved, but you do need to cross a rock slide which is fairly steep. Dig site is just above the rock slide and under tree canopy which can be nice shade from the summer sun. The agate is fairly plentiful just under the surface there, and is a light blueish grey color. The jasper has nice creamy blue and brown tones, sometimes with blue veins or inclusions. Crystals can be found in the hard rock and in the rock slide. I found a crystal vuge there last year next to the road.
Some of the agates/jasper I found at this site last year – tumbled and polished.
Meet at 9:45 at the Mineral Springs Store (Mineral Springs Resort on Google Maps) 27510 US-97. If you pass FR 9738 (Blue Creek Rd), you’ve gone too far, as this is the road that the group will take towards the dig site. Mineral Springs is about a 2 hour drive from Renton/Kent, over Snoqualmie Pass.
Group leaves promptly at 10:00. Dig and hard rock tools.
So to recap – I’ll lead a group on July 14th. Dennis and Tony will lead a group on July 21st. Essentially you can take your pick of weekends, whichever works best for you, or do both if you wish.
Remember to check the Field Trip Reports tab to see what material has been found on previous trips and locations.
Roger Danneman