eXplore Sammamish

Get ready for an extraordinary geological expedition starting in Sammamish, Washington, as renowned expert Mark Lillquist leads curious minds through the scenic landscapes of Lake Wenatchee this September. The upcoming field trip promises to reveal the dramatic story written in stone throughout this beautiful region of the Eastern Cascades. Participants will journey through five carefully selected locations, each offering unique insights into how massive ice sheets sculpted the terrain thousands of years ago, leaving behind fascinating evidence of Earth’s past.

The educational adventure begins at Lake Wenatchee State Park’s southern beach, where visitors will discover the fundamental bedrock formations that serve as the foundation for the region’s geological story. From there, the expedition will progress through a series of strategic stops, examining everything from ancient glacial moraines and erratic boulders to evidence of prehistoric volcanic activity from Glacier Peak and Mt. St. Helens. This free public event offers a rare opportunity to experience science in action, combining academic knowledge with the thrill of outdoor exploration in one of Washington’s most scenic natural settings.

The Lake Wenatchee geological tour presents a remarkable account of ice age phenomena that shaped our modern landscape. At Fish Lake, participants will examine how massive glaciers created moraine-dammed lakes and deposited distinctive erratic boulders transported from distant locations. The journey continues to stunning overlooks of the Chiwawa River Valley and Meadow Creek, where attendees will learn about alpine glacier processes and witness evidence of river capture – a dramatic geological event where one river system diverts another. The final stop at Deep Creek reveals the complex interactions between glacial meltwater, geological faulting, and ancient ice age lakes.

Each location in this geological narrative has been thoughtfully selected to illustrate different aspects of the region’s formation. The educational expedition balances scientific discovery with accessibility, making complex geological concepts understandable for participants of all backgrounds. Mark Lillquist’s expert guidance ensures visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for how these ancient processes continue to influence the contemporary landscape. This outdoor classroom transforms theoretical knowledge into tangible understanding through direct observation of geological features that typically exist only as concepts in textbooks.

Transportation logistics have been thoughtfully arranged to enhance the experience for all participants. A party van will be available for those who prefer not to drive, while carpooling is strongly encouraged for those bringing personal vehicles, as parking at each stop is limited and forest roads can be challenging to navigate in large convoys. The expedition requires a Discover Pass for the first stop at Lake Wenatchee State Park, and participants should come prepared for a variety of weather conditions, as September in the Cascades can range from sunny and hot to rainy and cool.

The field trip includes several short hikes, typically less than a quarter mile each, though some terrain at stops 3 and 4 will be fairly steep and involve off-trail walking through recently logged areas. Attendees should plan accordingly for meals and restroom needs, as facilities will only be available at the first stop. Field guides will be provided at no cost to enhance the learning experience, with both digital and printed options available. For those wishing to extend their adventure, camping opportunities abound at Lake Wenatchee State Park, with nearby cabins and hotels also available for overnight stays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the stunning mountain scenery.