Harney Basin Field Trip (9 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Harney Basin Field Trip

Led by Dave Sherrod

Friday, Oct. 9, 6:00 PM - Sunday, Oct. 11, 4 pm

Please join Dave Sherrod on a two day exploration of the Harney Basin, south of Burns. We’ll assemble Friday evening (10/9, Day 0) at Malheur Field Station, with field Day 1 on Saturday and Day 2 Sunday (10/10, 10/11). Day 1 will explore the basin’s stratigraphy, structure, geomorphology, and lake history from middle Miocene time to present (road stops). Day 2 is devoted to Diamond Craters, a Holocene lava field with a fascinating complex history unlike any other in the western mainland U.S. The Diamond Craters day includes driving stops and a lunch stop at a viewpoint overlooking the craters. Participants have the option of ending the trip here but there is a recommended, but optional, walking tour of the central crater complex, in the heartland of Diamond Craters. This walk is cross country totaling about a mile with modest elevation loss/gain of 200'. The footing is generally good but footwear with good traction are recommended as well as hiking poles if you find them helpful.

This announcement is posted earlier than usual for COGS trips because early commitment and payment will be needed. The trip is too far from Bend to allow a Bend-based start each day. Malheur Field Station, 30 miles south of Burns, will be our accommodations which feature rooms with two twin beds/room at $50/night/person and a full dinner ($25) Friday and Saturday nights. There is also an option for up to three self contained RV sites at $35/nights. Participants could also stay or camp offsite. There will be a cap of 25 total participants.

More information on the Malheur Field Station is provided on this info sheet:

Malheur Field Station Visitor Guide.pdf

Participants must be a member of COGS or a guest of a member. As always please leave your pets at home as they are not allowed on COGS field trips.

Ride Sharing: Details to be determined.

This is a 'Save the Date' announcement. Additional details and the registration process will be provided closer to the date.

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Harney Basin Field Trip (9 Oct 2026)