For purposes of logging this cache you must answer the following three questions. You also must take a picture of you or a personal item near the falls without giving away any answers at the posted coordinates.
1. Using the lesson what three things contributed to the formation of the falls here?
2. Now hike down to the end of the trail. Please describe the unusual pattern in the basalt wall behind the water fall.
3. What do you think happened that would cause it?
4. A mandatory picture at the posted coords at the bottom with the falls in the background is required of you or a personal item. This can be attached to your found log or privately sent to me with your answers.
This earthcache is located on National forest property and placed with permission.
Note: An earthcache is the magical combination of geocaching and geological discovery. They vary greatly from traditional geocaches in that there is NO PHYSICAL CONTAINER! Once at the Earth Cache site, take in the scenery, the geological marvels or oddities, and read the cache description. You will likely be asked to answer some questions about the site and take a picture. You can email the cache owner or use the Message Center to send answers to the required questions. Please don’t be intimidated about answering the questions. They are not graded and were meant to enrich your visit, open your eyes and provide you with new knowledge and insights about the location. Most importantly have fun!
This Earthcache is placed for you to understand a little bit about the geology of Central Oregon and the forces of nature that shape our environment.
Salt Creek Falls is Oregon's second highest single drop waterfall, cascading 286 feet. The observation platform at the top of the waterfall is only a few hundred feet from the parking lot. A steep trail from the platform to the waterfall's base is short, but is not wheelchair accessible due to numerous stairs. You must hike to the end of the trail to the bottom to make your observations for the lesson and for the madatory picture.
Salt Creek Falls Observation Site is normally closed in winter. To access the viewpoint, you can park at the Salt Creek Sno-Park and walk 0.4 miles along the road to the falls.
Before you, eons ago, colossal glaciers carved out this valley in a relentless dance with time. Following their retreat, nature’s molten hand poured spewing lava flows that came to rest within the valley’s boundaries. The result of this geological dance is the slender canyon walls, gracefully adorned with columnar basalt, now serving as the majestic backdrop to the falls. Each layer of stone tells a tale of the Earth’s geologically rich history, etching a vivid narrative.
What sets Salt Creek apart, however, is its intriguing geological composition. The creek is named not for its size or volume but for the collection of springs along its course, each brimming with a notably high salt content.
A waterfall, sometimes called cataracts, arise from an abrupt steepening of a river or stream channel that causes the flow of water to drop vertically. Waterfalls of small height and lesser steepness are called cascades.
Waterfalls are characterized by great erosive power. The rapidity of erosion depends on the height of a given waterfall, it’s volume of flow, the type and structure of rocks involved and other factors. The steepening effect also accelerates erosion as the influence of gravity on the water increases the water’s speed (thanks to the increasing slope).
One of the most common reasons for a waterfall's existence is difference in rock type. Rivers cross many lithological boundaries, and, if a river passes from a resistant rock bed to a softer one, it is likely to erode the soft rock more quickly and steepen its gradient at the junction between the rock types.
The rock type that makes up these falls is a remarkable natural wonder known as Columnar Basalt. This geological formation is distinguished by its distinctive columns, resembling vertical structures. The phenomenon occurs when lava flows from volcanic eruptions cool and contract.
The rapid cooling of basaltic lava results in shrinkage and cracking, which gives rise to a network of interconnected vertical columns. These columns typically exhibit a hexagonal shape, although their sizes and shapes can vary. They can reach impressive heights, ranging from a few meters to tens of meters, and can be found in close proximity or with some spacing between them.
For purposes of logging this cache you must answer the following three questions. You also must take a picture of you or a personal item near the falls without giving away any answers at the posted coordinates.
1. Using the lesson what three things contributed to the formation of the falls here?
2. Now hike down to the end of the trail. Please describe the unusual pattern in the basalt wall behind the water fall.
3. What do you think happened that would cause it?
4. A mandatory picture at the posted coords at the bottom with the falls in the background is required of you or a personal item. This can be attached to your found log or privately sent to me with your answers.
Resources:
https://askanearthspacescientist.asu.edu/top-question/columnar-jointing
https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/how-are-waterfalls-formed/
https://www.geologyin.com/2014/12/the-formation-of-waterfalls.html#:~:text=Glaciers%20move%20down%20valleys%20eroding,the%20air%20creating%20a%20waterfall.