July 19th, 2025 Crystal Mtn Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

On Sat. July.19th we went to Crystal Mountain north of Ellensburg for geodes, crystal plates, jasper, and agate. A lucky break in the weather kept the temperatures in the low to mid 60s. 1st stop was a site where we’ve been busting through soft basalt and finding crystal lined geodes and agate nodules. Special thanks to Peggy for helping folks identify their finds at that site. 2nd stop was to a ravine where we find crystal and multi-colored jasper/agate. More of a challenging road to get into that site, but I love the colorful material and interesting patterns we find in the rocks there. This site is on our schedule again in October, but last year we had to hike in because rain made the road impassable. That’s why I wanted to make sure we got in there during a dry season.  You’ll notice burned trees in some of the photos which was a result of the spread of the Jolly Mountain fire in 2017.

The group consisted of 22 people in 15 vehicles:
Nik B., John & Dave C. (thanks for all your help at both sites), Paul A. & Peggy S. (thanks for all your help at the geode site), Kelly G., Terry F., Arleaha W. +2, Philip T., Michele M., Ben K., Jarrod D., Will & Drew C., Noel B., Jonathan C., Jackie B. +2, and me.

Submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: November 8, 2025 — 5:27 pm

Presidents Message

  • Digging It!  Our big rock, gem and jewelry show is at the end of this month. We have so many opportunities for you to come and be a part of it – from helping our wonderful vendors load in their gear, to setting up tables, greeting guests, helping with kid’s activities, and so much more. All of our volunteers always go home with free rocks – and free shop hours! I’ll be spending those three days (Friday, June 26 – our set up day – through Sunday, June 28) at the Silent Auction table, working on raising money for our …

Meeting Announcements

  • Club president Noelle Barnes will present “Rockhounding on the Road – How to Find Rocks Wherever You Are” – tools you can use to find a rockhounding location when you’re on the road, and in places you haven’t been before. Show and Tell: bring a rock or fossil you found outside of Washington (if available) or something that’s just too good not to share.

  • Our own Mike Blanton will bring his expertise to this club meeting program – he will share the tools, tips and tricks he has developed to drill holes in stones and minerals so you can do more with the rocks you find. Show and Tell: bring a rock you’d like to make into something else.

  • Club Wagonmaster and rock shop creator Roger Danneman will present an overview of the new club shop – including equipment, scheduling, stewards, and what you can expect from this exciting new resource.  Show and Tell: bring a rock you want to polish or make into a cabochon (or something you’ve already polished or made)

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