Geology Field Trips

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Science Adventure Tours: Geology Field Trip

John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon – Sheep Rock Unit
Tour Guide: Mark Finkbeiner
Theme: The Earth is a Museum to the Flood

Meeting Time & Location Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM (Check-in and first lecture)

Location: Thomas Condon Visitor Center (Museum) parking lot, overlooking the Sheep Rock Unit. Address: 32651 Highway 19, Kimberly, Oregon

Conclusion: The field trip will conclude between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Description of the John Day Fossil Beds
The John Day Fossil Beds are made up of three units—Clarno, Painted Hills, and Sheep Rock—and are among the richest, most complete fossil beds in the world. They are especially famous for their fossilized Nut Beds, located in the nearby Clarno Unit, which stand as the most prolific in the world.
From a scientific perspective, these massive layers can be interpreted as having been formed rapidly during a universal flood. The monument sits in a tectonic basin shaped by volcanic cataclysms, featuring faults, evidence of earthquakes, and sedimentary beds connected to the global layers of the Cretaceous system. The Jurassic system is also represented in the basin. The best way to describe this landscape is like putting vast amounts of dirt, water, and volcanic ash into a blender, running it, and rapidly dumping the slurry out to solidify.

About the Field Trip
Oregon is an incredible place to explore Earth's history through geology. If these rocks could talk, what would they tell us about the past? Join us for another fantastic, family-friendly field trip perfect for everyone, including homeschoolers!
On September 26, 2026, we will explore the scientific and geological evidence of a universal flood. Oregon is one of the world's most significant areas for studying geological catastrophism. Along the way, we will also dive into the study of fossils, agates, geodes, and thundereggs—including tips on how and where to find them.

We will caravan to approximately 10 stops along Highways 19, 26, and 207. Our route includes:

Highway 19: Sheep Rock, Cathedral Rock, Goose Rock, Picture Gorge, and a hike along the Blue Basin trail.

Highway 26: Mascall Overlook near Dayville, back through Picture Gorge, and several roadside stops on the way to Mitchell, Oregon.

Highway 207 North: Several stops observing faults, catastrophic mudflows that buried living things, the John Day Formation, and Columbia River basalt flows. Participants will observe the massive upheavals caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and massive mudflows that occurred while Oregon was underwater. We will also learn about the offshore tectonic events that caused much of what we now see at the John Day Fossil Beds.

What to Bring & Safety Considerations Sack lunch and plenty of water. Binoculars and a camera. Comfortable hiking shoes. Participants must be in good health and physical shape. Each participant must sign a liability waiver. Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Registration Fees (Suggested Donations)
Children (Ages 0–7): Free

Single Person: $70.00 Family

(2–3 people): $100.00 Family

(4 people): $150.00 Family

(5 or more people): $200.00

Important Payment Policies Day-of Registration: An additional $10.00 fee applies if paying on the day of the trip.

Cash Exception: The $10.00 day-of fee is waived if you are unable to mail a check and must pay with cash on-site. Waivers: Everyone will need to sign a liability waiver before the trip begins. Please mail checks to:

Mark Finkbeiner
5500 Oleander St
West Richland, WA 99353

If you are interested in this field trip please fill out the information and I will get back to you. Thank you