On Sat. June 6th we went to Little Naches for Thunder Eggs, Lily Pad Jasper, and Leaf Fossils. The forecast was for clear skies near Naches and temps in the low 60s, but the wet weather crept over the Cascades and we had a bit of sprinkles, scrapple, and much lower temps. Despite the moist weather, it was still a good day for hiking up the ridge and digging thundereggs.
Our meeting spot was on NF-19 by the Little Naches Campground. We had 23 people, 1 dog, and 12 vehicles. We spent about 2 1/2 hours at the Thunder Egg site. Blue chalcedony in various forms, but of course we’re mostly looking for full or broken thundereggs. After hiking back to the cars we drove on to the Lily Pad site. Mostly roadside collecting there as well as the next site for leaf fossils. WA State geology maps peg the leaf fossil site as a 35 million year old mudstone. So the carbon imprints and leaf outlines we find embedded are that old. A few nice specimens were found. Certainly a fun day.
Joining me on this trip were Matthew C., David B. & Alexis W., Venessa L., Chris V., Amy F, Samantha, Shirley, Jeff C. +1 and dog Cooper, Megan & Robert B. and kids Dani & Jessie, Ben J. & Scott, Jarrod D. & son, and 4 guests Claire P, Emily, Daniel R., and Ben.
Submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Guide
