Geology Walk

Trail and Circle Creek.\Photo courtesy of NCLC.

The North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) offers a walk led by geologist Tom Horning on its property at Circle Creek, from 1 to about 3:30 p.m.  The event is free, but registration is required.  For more information, or to register, go here. 

Horning is a geologist who grew up in Seaside, earned his master’s degree from Oregon State University, then returned to his home town to establish Horning Geosciences, a geological consulting service.  He joined the NCLC board in 1996 and has been active with the land trust ever since.

The focus during the walk will be on how to interpret landforms.  Horning will point out the actively eroding landscapes (hills) and the actively sedimenting landscapes (valley bottoms) found at Circle Creek. The walk will begin at the barn, lead into the memorial Sitka spruce grove, and wind onto the Legacy Loop footpath; time permitting, the group may also walk north into the woods to visit the channel of Circle Creek. The walk will take place mostly on trails, although it may cover uneven ground in some places.  No toilets on site. No dogs allowed on site. Bring water and snacks,wear waterproof boots or sturdy walking shoes, and dress for the day’s weather.

Circle Creek Conservation Center is at the end of Rippet Road in Seaside; look for it on the west side of Hwy 101, 0.7 mile north of its junction with US 26. Follow the road west and north a short distance, passing a gravel quarry on your left, to where it ends between two barns.

For more information, (503) 738-9126, nclc@nclctrust.org.