Rivers Collide EarthCache
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This is the site of a unique geologic phenomenon that causes the North Umpqua River and the Little River to meet head-on, the only place in the world where this happens.
Views are most spectacular with higher river flows during the wet season. The constructed interpretive and rest area includes a short accessible nature trail. A historic Civilian Conservation Corps structure built in 1938 is used as a Visitors Center and open May through October. Brochures, maps and books are available at the Center.
Why the Rivers Collide
As you see before you, these rivers virtually flow towards one another. This phenomenon is created by resistant sills of basalt that deflect Little River (south) and the North Umpqua River (north) and force the two rivers into a collision course. The combined force of the two rivers have broken through the basalt sill and the joined rivers head west eventually flow into the Pacific Ocean.
Once Under an Ancient Sea
This site was beneath the Pacific Ocean for millions of years. Sea bed deposits consisting of shale, seashell, coal, conglomerate and silica have eroded by the action of the colliding rivers.
During the flood of 1955 the North Umpqua River pushed back the Little River approximately 100 yards.
please POST A PICTURE of you or your group at the viewing area
To log this find email us the answers to the following qeustions:
1. What time period of Eocene was this area under the ocean (Eocene:geologic time table)
2. In what city does the river meet the ocean?
3. From the info board, How many (total) bridges have been used to span over this location?
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)