WAMSI offers several field trips annually around Oregon. Past field trips have included locations like Hampton Butte, McDonald’s Ranch, Rock Castle and Fogarty Creek State Park.
As new trips are scheduled, this page will be updated. Even if you are not on Facebook, you can visit our Facebook page to see recaps of recent field trips or announcements of upcoming trips.
Please note that WAMS field trips are only for WAMS members in good standing (paid membership).
For more information or to RSVP for any field trip, please email our WAMS Field Trip Coordinator and include WAMS Field Trips in your subject line.
Quick Links
Hampton Butte
September 15 – 17, 2023
Rock Castle
September 22, 2023
Hampton Butte
September 15, 16 & 17, 2023
WAMS will return to Hampton Butte to dig for petrified wood, limb casts, agate and jasper.
We will dry camp on public land near the primary dig area. It is dusty and there are no facilities so plan accordingly.
Collection areas are ¼ mile on either side of the road area and are surrounded by fences. Do not cross private property. Bring plenty of water (for drinking and rock washing), extra food, long pants, long sleeve shirt, sun hate, sturdy shoes, sun screen, bug spray, knee pads, small stool or garden pad, work gloves, rock hammer or pick, shovel, spray bottle and scrub brush. BLM rules apply (25 pounds per day, maximum 250 pounds per year applies for minerals, common invertebrate fossils, gemstones and petrified wood). Fill in all holes you did. This is a dry camping site. There are no services, bathrooms, and no cell service.
Directions from Bend: drive east on highway 20 until you pass mile marker 52. Turn north (left, if coming from Bend) onto Van Lake Road. Drive 10 – 11 miles to Price-Twelve Mile Road. Turn right (east) and drive 2 miles flat and straight. The road drops down to a drainage and back up ¼ mile from where we will camp. Most vehicles should make it there without problems.
Please sign up in advance. You may cancel prior to September 13.
Be sure to include your cell phone number when you sign up in the event that the trip needs to be cancelled due to fire, smoke or heat. Please email our WAMS Field Trip Coordinator (include Hampton Butte in your subject line) for more information or to sign up for the trip.
Field trips are for WAMS members in good standing. Membership information can be found here.
Rock Castle Field Trip
Saturday, September 23, 2023; 10:00am – 2:00pm
Join us for our second trip to Rock Castle for 2023. All you need is a bucket to collect the fascinating rocks you discover. At just $.50 per pound, you can take home your newfound geological treasures. Additionally, there is a wonderful rock shop brimming with remarkable finds. As part of the experience, we’ll also have a potluck where you can share your favorite dish, with hot dogs and sausage provided by our host, Joe Cota.
Rock Castle is located at 39100 River Drive, Lebanon, OR. For more information or to sign up for the trip, please email our WAMS Field Trip Coordinator (include Rock Castle in your subject line).
Field trips are for WAMS members in good standing. Membership information can be found here.
Past Field Trips
