Roundabout Books is pleased to host Alison Jean Cole, geology enthusiast and author of “A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington”. She will share stories of her adventures rockhounding in the Pacific Northwest and the geologic history of our lands going back hundreds of millions of years. The event takes place on June 20 at 6:30 pm.
An authoritative, colorful guide to the best rockhounding sites in Washington and Oregon
-Features 60 outstanding rockhounding sites
-Emphasizes rockhounding basics, sustainable collecting, and Leave No Trace principles
-Each location features an overview of the area’s geologic history along with what types of rocks and fossils you may find
The Pacific Northwest’s complex geologic history makes it a treasure trove for rockhounds. Collected here are 60 sites where you can explore ancient sea-floors, epic lava flows, glacier-carved landscapes, and evidence of 200 million years of tectonic action. Discover agates and jaspers in the volcanic Cascade Range and marine fossils along the Oregon Coast. Search for concretions along the Olympic Peninsula, petrified wood in the Owyhee Uplands, and much more.
Alison Jean Cole is a geology enthusiast and artist. Frequently traveling all over the western states in search of material to use in her lapidary craft, she leads rockhounding expeditions, runs a geology festival in Utah, and is a proud member of the Mount Hood Rock Club. She is the author of “Beautiful Rocks & How to Find Them”, and publishes THUNDEREGG, a zine that focuses on the changing face of rockhounding culture. She lives in Portland, OR. Visit Alison online at alisonjeancole.com or Instagram @alisonjeancole.
ABOUT MOUNTAINEERS BOOKS: An independent, nonprofit publisher based in Seattle, Mountaineers Books has crafted award-winning books on outdoor recreation, sustainable lifestyle, and conservation since 1960 with the publication of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, now in its 10th edition. Including imprints Skipstone and Braided River, the press has more than 700 books in print and/or e-book. Learn more at www.mountaineersbooks.org, and join the conversation on Facebook @MountaineersBooks, Instagram @mtnbooks, and Twitter @MtneersBooks.
The purchase of “A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington” or $5 is your entry ticket. Books and tickets can be purchased through Roundabout Books’ website here, via telephone at 541-306-6564, or in the store. The event will be held at Roundabout Books & Cafe in Bend. For further information, please contact Roundabout Books’ Event Manager, Julie Swearingen, at julie@roundaboutbookshop.com.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
This article appears in Source Weekly May 8, 2025.
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