This field trip is to expose you to some of the cool geological things there are to see right here in our own backyard, and to get hands-on experience with rocks in the field. The overall plan is to make a traverse from the high Cascades down to the ocean, and stop at various points along the way. The trip will take all day, and will involve some very short hikes (less than about 1/4 mile).

What we'll see (not necessarily in order)

• Terranes of the Cascades Core
• Igneous and metamorphic rocks
• Faults and folds
• Mt Baker, an active volcano.
• Old lava flows and mudlfows from Mt. Baker.
• Hot springs warmed by magma under Mt. Baker.
• Baker Lake, whose dam provides all our electricity.
• river processes, including sediment, point bars, cut banks.
• Glacially carved mountains and valleys.
• Ocean floor rocks on land.
• Trees, birds, plants (all that boring stuff that tends to obscure the cool rocks around here ).
• Lots more!

What to bring

• lunch (We’ll probably eat lunch at the Kulshan campground near Baker dam. There will not be soda machines, restaurants or markets there, although there will be some mini-marts along the main road.)
• water
• decent shoes (sneakers are fine; boots are probably overkill; please, no flip flops!)
• warm clothes, including a warm hat, gloves, and jacket (you never know)
• sunglasses, sunscreen, and shade hat, if the weather might be sunny (Check forecast here).
• rain gear (We’re going rain or shine)
• notebook, pencils, etc.
• camera, binoculars, etc., if you want them
• a positive attitude
• Don't bring: textbook

Transportation

We will be driving WWU vehicles. If you filled out the form to be a driver, then you should meet me at 7:20 at the Motor Pool (at the Physical Plant, near 26th St. & Taylor, south of Bill McDonald Parkway).

Timing

The main group will meet up at 7:30 am at parking lot 17G, behind the ES building. You can park your car in lot the C lots on the weekend for free.

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