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!  Thanks to everyone who joined us in March for Maureen Carlisle’s fascinating look at the world of professional paleontology digs. Our next meeting on April 9 is a great club tradition: Rock Bingo! Whether you’ve been a member for decades or you just joined last month, Bingo is the ultimate fun night for everyone kids included. All you have to do is bring three rock-related gifts (rocks themselves are just fine!), wrapped so that they are hidden, and then show up at 7pm on the 9th. Everyone is a winner – win a new treasure for your shelf and

Meeting Announcements

  • Come one, come all and play ROCK BINGO! With schools out for many local school districts, we invite members, guests, and especially families and kids to come and enjoy one of our most fun nights of the year. Everyone is guaranteed to win at this FREE event! All you have to do is bring three wrapped presents – presents can be rocks, gems, minerals, crystals, fossils, cabochons, slabs, jewelry, tumbled stones – anything you think might be a nice gift for a rock enthusiast. 

  • 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)

Current News