In the future if you wish to vote via eballot or paper ballot please send an email to bruce. We begin our adventures on one of the most geologically fascinating mountains in oregon s coast range. Marys peak formerly mary s peak and sometimes still spelled this way is a mountain in benton county, oregon, united states, just southwest of philomath. Our hikes are also publicized on our sierraclubjunipergroup. It will be fixed as soon as burt hall roof repairs are complete. Her tour was partially based on the very excellent book by robert j. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from april until november. Jun 06, 20 marys peak geology roadlog saturday, im doing another willamette valley geology workshop for the oregon master naturalist program, and yesterday bob lillie and i went over the schedule, outlines of presentations, and scouted out the marys peak geology field trip well be doing to top the whole thing off. It doesnt look like much from a distance, especially not if youre used to dealing with the majestic as heck, craggy peaks of the olympics and north cascades.
Marys peak summits at 1250 meters and is the highest peak in oregon s coast range. I know my oregon central coast range geology pretty well, and there is no place that gives an as complete or wellexposed. Palmer recalls in his book, the woods creek logging railroad then and. Due to logistics and, paraphrasing robert frost, a turn not taken, dana, intrepid companion ic and i got off to a latish start on monday and headed up marys peak. Check the bulletin in the publications page for articles. Her present dog, meesha, is a certified animal assisted therapy dog. Marys peak highest spot in the coast range, marys peaks wildflowerdotted summit meadows command views from the ocean to the cascades. Three miles up the marys peak road, where the roadbed cuts through a ridge of dark volcanic rock, bob lillie is giving a geology lesson to a. Birth date professor emeritus january 3, 1939 degrees b.
The marys peak alliance will host a book release presentation for a new guide to the mountains geology at 6 p. Browse below to find just the resources you need to make any earth science week event more meaningful and enjoyable. A snow gate blocks the upper part of the road above conners camp from late november through march. The trail meanders through a forest of large douglasfir trees. Jun 22, 2015 whether you enjoy hiking there are many trails, wildflowers, geology, picnicking or just a sitting and soaking in the view on the summit, marys peak will provide a fantastic opportunity for you to develop your sense of place in oregon. Tectonic geomorphology, university of oregon spanning 200 miles along the pacific, the oregon coast range is defined by a 3040 mile wide swath of moderately high mountains. Past lectures geological society of the oregon country gsoc. Marys peak is this long, swaybacked mountain in the coast range near corvallis, oregon. This wasnt actually our first stop, but it was the lowest stop stratigraphically. This concise rockhounding guide, from local author lars johnson, breaks down all of the information by site so youll know exactly what tools to bring, what type of vehicle to drive, and what accommodations are nearby. The three sisters wilderness covers an area of 281,190 acres 1,7. Marys peak geology roadlog saturday, im doing another willamette valley geology workshop for the oregon master naturalist program, and yesterday bob lillie and i went over the schedule, outlines of presentations, and scouted out the marys peak geology field trip well be doing to top the whole thing off. From interstate 5 take the highway 34 exit to corvallis. Calendar geological society of the oregon country gsoc.
Marys peak is often above the boundary layer of the surrounding terrain, although summer daytime boundary layers may reach heights of 2 km, in which case marys peak may generate a local boundary layer. Marys peak formerly marys peak and sometimes still spelled this way is a mountain in benton county, oregon, united states, just southwest of philomath. Ellen morris bishop is the author of numerous books on geology and the outdoors, including hiking oregons geology. Marys peak summits at 1250 meters and is the highest peak in oregons coast range. Dogs have accompanied her on virtually all the hikes she took preparing hiking oregons geology and doing geology field work. In recognition of its unique scenic, botanical and recreational values, marys peak is designated as a scenic botanical area. View to the west from marys peak summit the pacific ocean on the horizon. But before you do, consider reading up on our local geography and the processes that made it so. Marys peak, at 4,097 feet, is the highest point in oregons coast range. Ore bin oregon geology magazine journal oregon department. We will explore the rocks and geologic processes that made oregons island in the sky. If you want to make more of an adventure, you can always begin the hike lower on the mountain. Geology of the marys peak and alsea quadrangles, oregon. Marys peak plants by marys peak group of oregon sierra club.
The mountain on oregon states horizon by ann kinkley its hard to miss. From the summit you can see about 75 miles out into the pacific ocean to the west across the willamette valley all the way to the cascade peaks to the east. The transition zone, between the sonoran and canadian, is the smallest and least important in the park. A brief summary of oregon coast range geology, geomorphology. It was hard to find towns that suck in a great state. Marys peak for a picnic and hike to the top for an excellent. This is by far one of the best books out there for anyone interested in exploring oregon s geology. Getting to experience nature through their eyes, as they stand in awe of. Top 10 oregon hikes for kids there is something very special about hiking with children. The range averages 1,500 feet in elevation and has a maximum elevation of 4,097 feet at mary s peak.
Typical animals include the california quail, seattle wren, oregon ruffled grouse and chickadee, as well as the mink and racoon. It is characterized by the grand or white fir, salal, oregon grape, vine maple, devils club, and salmonberry. Sorry if the editing seems a little weird, just getting used to it. Participants will drive to corvallis and carpool for the daytrip up to the top. How much geology can you pack into one short and rainy trip. The distinctive humpbacked mountain on osus western horizon has the silhouette of a crouching mouse. Natural history information for lincoln county, oregon. Notice the usgs water resources mission areas priority is to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our communities, including providing critical situational awareness in times of flooding in all 50 u. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Plants on marys peak which is just east of lincoln county in benton county may be representative of those on some high elevation peaks in lincoln county, though marys peak is taller. Civil, construction, and environmental engineering o r e g o n s t a t e u n i v e r s i t y college of engineering schroeder, w.
Media in category marys peak oregon the following 32 files are in this category, out of 32 total. Mary s peak, the highest point in the coast range has a variety of trails, and spectacular views from ocean to cascades marys peak, at 4,097 feet, is the highest point in oregon s coast range and the most prominent peak to the west of corvallis. Marys peak hike northwest hiker presents hiking in oregon. Dogs have accompanied her on virtually all the hikes she took preparing hiking oregon s geology and doing geology field work. Graduate student handbook, 2010 2011 oregon state university. Four different trails ascend this mountain, ranging from easy paths to long, hard climbs. On a clear day, from the top of the peak, you can see both the pacific ocean to the west and many of the cascade peaks to the east across the.
At 4,097 feet marys peak towers over other mountains in the oregon coast range. Join president sheila alfsen on a trip to the tallest point in oregons coast range. Its name may have derived from frenchcanadian trappers referring to it as maries mountain. Getting to experience nature through their eyes, as they stand in awe of a big tree, a wildflower or a view of the mountains. Even though you can drive nearly to the summit of marys peak, it is so worth it. Juniper group hikes 2014 oregon chapter sierra club. Lillie draws on his experience as a geology professor, graphic illustrator and park ranger to tell the geological story of marys peak and its connections to oregon s natural and cultural history. Lillies book describes the key elements of those twists and turns and bends in enough detail, but not too much, for the lay person like me or the more geologically. Marys peak north ridge hike hiking in portland, oregon and. Perhaps the most remote of the marys peak trails, the north ridge trail is the longest route to the top of marys peak. Hikes for 2012 hiking the cascades photo by larry pennington about our schedule. The marys peak observatory was set up to provide a visualization of the beauty of natural fluid flows as part of active research examining these flows in both the ocean and the atmosphere. The range averages 1,500 feet in elevation and has a maximum elevation of 4,097 feet at marys peak. Follow highway 34 through corvallis to philomath then travel 10 miles west on highway 34 to marys peak road on the north side of the highway.
A specialist on interpretive methods for the marys peak. Tyee country and marys peak trip geological society of the. Oregon department of geology and mineral industries. The schedule is a work in progress, and will be amended as the year progresses, so keep checking back for new hikes and schedule changes. Please post on the wall about road conditions, trail conditions, snowshoe routes, mountain bike routes, fun things.
Marys peak, at 4,097 feet, is the highest point in oregon s coast range. Thanks for stopping by the world according to briggs, i make lists. The peak is a willamette valley landmark, a symbol, and according to local historian ken munford a weather vane. Wild in the willamette edited by lorraine anderson with abby phillips metzger hiking oregons geology by ellen morris bishop corvallis trails by margie c. On a clear day, the view from atop marys peak stretches from the pacific ocean to the cascade mountains, with a look at 10 prominent peaks. At an elevation of 4,097 feet, marys peak is an iconic landmark for willamette valley residents, and is the highest point in the coast range. Designated by the united states congress in 1964, it borders the mount washington wilderness to the north and shares its southern edge with the waldo lake wilderness.
The trail begins at woods creek on the north side of marys peak, and climbs steadily for an elevation gain of 3200 feet to the observation point parking area. Marys peak is a mountain in benton county, oregon, united states, just southwest of philomath. Marys peak isnt just the highest point in the landscape in the region. The marys peak chapter of the society of american foresters saf is comprised of approximately 150 natural resource managers and scientists in and around the benton, lincoln, and linn county areas. This is by far one of the best books out there for anyone interested in exploring oregons geology. Marys peak is often above the boundary layer of the surrounding terrain, although summer daytime boundary layers may reach heights of 2 km, in which. It shows up as marys peak on an 1855 survey map but later loses. Van got stuck about 14 a mile from the top, got high centered and had to do a combination of push 12 point turn to get unstuck. The native kalapuya called the peak tcha timanwi, or place of spiritual power.
We really appreciate your willingness to vote electronically as it saves marys peak group hundreds of dollars in ballot mailing fees. Encountered more snow then was expected, chains required. At 4,097 feet, marys peak is the highest point in the oregon coast range and part of the suislaw national forest. Ellen morris bishop is the author of numerous books on geology and the outdoors, including hiking oregon s geology. Hike local favorite marys peak or take a day trip to the coast to join the festivities. Notice the usgs water resources mission area s priority is to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our communities, including providing critical situational awareness in times of flooding in all 50 u. Both federal and state laws permit oregon state university staff to release directory information to the general public without the students consent. Lillie draws on his experience as a geology professor, graphic illustrator and park ranger to tell the geological story of marys peak and its connections to oregons natural and cultural history. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. The distinctive humpbacked mountain on osus west ern horizon has the silhouette of a crouching mouse. Guides give geology lessons to visitors in oregons coast range. It is also the highest point in benton county, and ranks eleventh in the state for prominence. Wild in the willamette edited by lorraine anderson with abby phillips metzger hiking oregon s geology by ellen morris bishop corvallis trails by margie c.
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