Quimper Geological Society Field Trip
October 2, 2021, Port Angeles Area
One-day field trip (car caravan) to see the Elwha River’s response to removal of its two dams 7 years ago (2014). We’ll see the lower dam site, one of the dissected lake basins, sedimentation along the river’s mid-reach and the build out of the river’s delta. Ian Miller, our geologic guide, is with the SeaGrant program of the University of Washington, but resides in Port Angeles close to the action. In addition, we recruited Keith Denton to talk about the main reason for the dams removal (fish) Keith is a Fisheries Consultant and will discuss the recovery program that has brought salmon back to the Elwha River after a century.
Leaders: Ian Miller, Coastal Hazards Specialist, Washington Sea Grant, Port Angeles
Keith Denton, Fisheries Specialist and Consultant, Sequim
Michael Machette, Quaternary Geologist (retired), Port Townsend
Objectives: Visit ground zero of the largest dam-removal project in the world and one of the largest ecological restoration projects ever attempted. See the developing shore-line and take a tour of three important restoration sites along the Elwha River. Enjoy the outdoors and have enlightening discussions (socially distanced).
Click here to download the Elwha River field trip guide
Professor Emeritus Pat Pringle of Centralia College and colleagues led a 3-day trip to the Mount Rainer area to see the geology of this fantastic mountain and its geologic and environmental effects on the surrounding region. Participants provided their own transportation and lodging (in Ashford and Packwood); we provided field trip log, a published guidebooks, experts on specific aspects of the geology and geomorphology, and a chance to see one of Washington’s three active volcanoes.
