May 2nd 2026 First Creek Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

We had a great field trip to First Creek on Sat. May 2nd. Mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the 70’s. There were 21 of us altogether, 2 carts, 4 wagons, and 2 e-bikes. We hiked to the 2 mile ravine and spread out from there. Phillip and I rode on for another mile and a half to see if there were any treasures beyond our usual spots. We didn’t find much in the way of rocky outcrops or rock slides. Just a few pieces in the trails so we went back. Much of the group were up on the east ridge of the ravine, some going to the top. Loren later said he walked 8 miles before the afternoon was done. No wood ticks reported. Maybe the first hatch is done or maybe our spray was effective or maybe they’re not a big issue this year. I worry about safety here because of the steep terrain, drop offs from the road, and having to navigate through a few rock slides up and down steep slopes. Thankfully no injuries. Attached pics are some of what I found plus some of Jeff’s finds from up on the ridge.

8 of us finished the day at the Red Arrow Drive-In in Cle Elum. A great place for a burger, fries, and shake.

Joining me on this trip were Loren M., Robert M. & daughter Evelyn, Christine B., Phillip T., Jeff C. & dog Cooper, Arleaha W. & friend Rachel, Becky P., Vanessa L., Aubrey S. Neil N. & son Nicolas, Carrie L., Karen J., Jarrod D., Alexis W. & David, Matt C. & Mary.

Submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: May 6, 2026 — 6:42 pm

Presidents Message

  • Digging It!  September is here, and it looks like a wonderful month so far for getting together and getting out in the field. First, thank you to everyone who helped make our August picnic and club auction such a success. The delicious food, generous donations, volunteer help and spirited bidding made it a great afternoon, and the auction raised $750 for the club. We return to our regular meeting schedule on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Kent. Our program is all about YOU: Show, Tell & Transform, where you get to briefly present …

Meeting Announcements

  • This program is all about YOU. Bring a rock, mineral, fossil, or other field find that you would like to turn into something. It might become a cabochon, carving, display specimen, jewelry piece, slab, polished piece, or something entirely different. Bring your item and share: Where and how you found or acquired it What interests you about the material What you’re considering making from it Any questions or challenges you would like help thinking through Then we’ll open the conversation to our knowledgeable and curious club members. Together, we can discuss the material, possible designs, cutting or finishing approaches, and other ideas that might help you take the piece from field find to finished project. You do not need to have a complete plan or any special expertise. That’s part of the fun. Bring the piece itself if possible, along with any sketches, inspiration photos, or examples that might help explain your idea.

  • Noelle Barnes will present Using Gaia for Rockhounding, an overview of the features and tricks associated with the app Gaia and how you can use it for GPS, saving waypoints, navigation, photo tagging, trail recording and more. Show and Tell: Bring the rock(s) that have the best “story” – and tell everyone how you found them and where!

  • Club board member Paul Ahnberg will talk to us about the impact of wildfires on our lives – from protecting your home to staying safe while out rockhounding – and what we can do today to help mitigate our risk. Paul will combine his knowledge gained from learning at both the WSU Green School (Master Gardener) and WSU Climate Steward programs. Show and Tell: Bring something you found, from a place that you know has since been impacted by floods or wildfires – or was impacted shortly before you arrived. Tell your story!

  • December’s date and time is coming soon. We will update this page as soon as we know more.

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