Spectacular Basalt Columns at Drumheller Channels

Saturday, March 12, 2022. CWU's Nick Zentner.

[dawnarobertson]

I’m glad you mentioned the rattle snakes. I knew someone who attached a pan and some silverware to her kids’ waists—stuff to make noise so that the snakes knew to skidattle before the trackers even arrived. (She was quite a Girl Scout; she went on to become an Army Surgeon General ❤ Her husband had done scary jungle reconnaissance in Viet Nam, so I think they knew how to handle outdoor adventures!)

[ExoticTerrain]

Obviously we, your fans, watch because we like geology and your a good teacher but we’re your fans because we like your personality and listening to you tell story’s! Thanks for bringing us along 😊

[peggyunderhill]

I think my 82 year old legs could manage this😁. Thanks for bringing me along. My Golden Age Passport, purchased 20 years ago is the best $10 i ever spent.

[leecarol]

I didn't find the trail today, thanks for your video. I will be there again sometime!

[TheErik]

It is amazing how extensive the Columbia River basalt formation is throughout Washington state.
This is only the top layers.
The waning phase.
The main phase deposits are buried beneath what we see here.
All of this cooled lava originated 300 miles south and then 1800 miles down to the outer core boundry.
Absolutely astounding!
I thank Nick Zentner for teaching me all about this.
You opened a door to a lifetime of education to me, Nick.
THANK YOU!

[TheSalabama]

Who would have ever thought stacks of rocks could be so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this gorgeous vista with those of us that will never see it otherwise.

[LaPartDesChoses]

We made it! One hundred percent worth it, and 100% possible because of Nick.

There was not a soul there at 8:30am today (August 7, 2022). The hike is not at all challenging once you find the trailhead. You have to hike up the little berm above the roadn at that point you can see the wall of basalt columns and it's an easy stroll over. The pile of white rocks is still there and is a good reference point for the trailhead.

Two notes: About 3/4 along the wall of columns, one little trail leads to a gap where you can climb to the top of the columns with only a 10-foot scramble. Second note: the grass has little barbs that stick in your socks and itch - so consider long trousers.

Nick, we love your videos! We have come from Maryland expressly to see the sites you describe.

[cowboyidiot]

God, I miss the smell of sage brush and the sun. Thanks Nick

[angiesouth]

Last April we did a visit there and only ran into 3 other couples... we were all there because of you Nick! Fun to share our joy of geology inspired by your lectures. It is a spectacular easy hike! If you can, go!!

[darrellking]

Thanks,
it's good just to see them again

[standavid]

As I'm watching this video, my mind wanders to western movies, and in my minds eye I can see the calvary racing through.. Thank you Nick for taking us along.

[robertbeach]

I was there in October thanks to your video with your 351 class. It was amazing. Thank you some much Nick
The spot were you lost your hammer and the main columns in video is a little before the end parking spot

[Micah]

You are a real blessing. Thank you so much for sharing your passion with the world. I really enjoy your content.

[TruckinTacos]

Thank you for this and your old videos. I'm a long haul trucker from FL with zero understanding of geology until watching your videos. Now I'm obsessed with driving interstates 84 and 82 so I can see the things you teach about. It has truly opened a new avenue of exploration that would have never occured without you!!!

[catsinhouse]

My next door neighbor in the UW dorms in the 70's was a Drumheller. Very nice young woman, was a coxswain for the crew team. Great neighbor. Love your lectures, Nick. I've always been uneducated rock nut, my brother majored in geology at UPS. My current neighbor was one of his geology profs. So I am making up for a sketchy science education - many thanks!

[thirdday]

Thank you Nick, that might be a doable hike even with copd. What a beautiful state we live in! I was bitten by a rattle snake in my own yard about 8 years ago, so this looks like a piece of cake. Learned to watch where I walk.

[christinedavies]

After your first video there several years ago, we searched Google Earth until we found it. We visited twice in the Spring a few years back and it was fantastic. Having your teaching in our heads made it so much more fun.

[helenel]

Thank you for posting this. It does make the basalt "puddle" (pancake?) covering part of Washington State something I can think about when I review old episodes of Geo 101 and 351. Being 3000 miles east-southeast, of the location and financially-challenged, the likelihood of being able to visit is limited - except virtually.

[lironmtnranch]

Getting some serious Houses of the Holy album cover vibes here! Very interesting geology.

[KevinFournier-xdub]

Alrighty then. After having just visited these beautiful columns in mid August, I can verify Professor Zentner’s opinion on the matter regarding the time of year. It was hot as he**, i.e. 103 degrees. No rattle snakes. Explored a bit, hiked down crab creek a ways. Absolutely stunning Geology. Thank you Professor!