On Sat. March 21st we went to the Saddle Mtns. for petrified wood There was a bit of rain/snow mix going over Snoqualmie Pass but then it was a beautiful sunny day. We met in Mattawa at 9:45 AM and headed up the hill just after 10. The area is still on the cusp of transitioning to spring. The orchards still looked dormant and there were no wildflowers yet. I often get asked about the geology of the area and how the petrified wood was formed. I’ve always felt my answers to be inadequate so decided to study up on it and write an article for the April Tumbler. It’s a complex story of basalt flows, lush green forests, ice age floods, more basalt flows, etc. The petrified wood there is in the ballpark of 6-15 million years old. We went to the same area as last year which is relatively undug but is very productive. It was easy digging and collecting as the soil had been moistened by recent rain. We had 26 people in 15 vehicles for this trip. Joining me were John C., Dave C., Gregg H., Victor, Phillip T., Paul J. +3, Chris V., Venessa L., Ann S. (+dog Tess), Matt C. +1, Terry F., Ben K., and guests Mischa E. +3, Alexis & David, Michael & Elliott.
Submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Guide
