May 2nd 2026 First Creek Field Trip Report

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!  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

  • 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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