On Sat. Sept 9th we went to Frost Mtn south of Cle Elum for jasper/agate and crystal. It was a gorgeous day with clear skies and a nice breeze. This is the first time we’ve taken a group into this site and is probably one of our more difficult trips because of the long drive on gravel and the 1 mile hike with some elevation gain. Last year I was part of a small group that went in to check it out and I decided the material is so unique that I wanted to add it to our list of sites.
It was a fairly big group with 10 vehicles, 19 people, and 1 little dog. Phillip guided us in on this trip since I was unsure of the route. Once we parked and hiked up to the rocky outcrop, the group surface collected crystal pieces, the blue-green jasper, rocks with druzy, and the irregular seamed agate known as Tahoma Agate. Some people covered a wide area while I stayed mainly around the rocky outcrop. We collected for about 2 1/2 hours, took in the views, chatted, and enjoyed a nice Sept. day in the mountains. My pictures show some of the material I collected. Loren explored further up and found more in the way of eroded rock piles/outcrops and I’m thinking to make another trip up there before the snow flies to get more of the agate chunks. It looks kind of junky on the outside, but cut pieces can reveal beautiful patterns inside and is generally nice and solid and takes a great polish.
Attendees: Scott M.1 & Scott M. 2, Erica D. & Chris N., Malka R., Loren M., Julie M. & Gina M., Phillip T., Kate T. and son Andre, new members Nikki P and partner and neighbor Zennetka, new member Alyssa W. and Bea, and new members Trisha and Dave, and of course me.
Submitted by Roger Danneman Field Trip Guide (roger.danneman@gmail.com)
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