Fossil hunting in Washington State offers a unique opportunity to connect with ancient life, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts and families seeking an engaging outdoor activity. This pursuit involves searching for and collecting the preserved remains or traces of prehistoric organisms embedded within rocks. Washington’s diverse geological history provides a rich tapestry for discovery, making it an accessible adventure for those eager to uncover remnants of bygone eras.
Prime Fossil Hunting Locations
Washington State boasts several regions with distinct geological histories that yield various types of fossils. Eastern Washington, particularly the Columbia Basin, is renowned for its Miocene-era deposits, approximately 15 to 6 million years old. This area, shaped by extensive basalt lava flows, entombed ancient forests, preserving petrified wood, and sometimes even leaf impressions and insect remains within interbeds between lava layers.
One prominent site in central Washington is the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park near Vantage. This park preserves an unusual petrified forest where trees, including ginkgo, elm, oak, and maple, were engulfed by volcanic flows around 15.4 million years ago. The waterlogged trees resisted charring, leading to their petrifaction as minerals replaced organic material. While collecting is prohibited within the state park, visitors can observe numerous petrified logs in their original settings along interpretive trails.
Northeastern Washington, specifically around Republic in Ferry County, is home to significant Eocene-aged lakebed sediments, dating back about 50 million years. The Stonerose Interpretive Center and Eocene Fossil Site in Republic provides a unique public collecting experience where visitors can search for exceptionally preserved plant fossils, including ancient relatives of roses, alders, and redwoods, as well as insects and fish. These fossils formed in fine-grained tuffaceous shales, created from volcanic ash and clay settling in a calm, ancient lake.
Western Washington offers its own fossil treasures, primarily marine invertebrates and plant fossils. Coastal exposures and river basins, particularly those containing formations like the Lincoln Creek Formation in the Willapa Hills, can yield fossils of crabs, clams, and snails from shallow ocean environments, dating approximately 38 to 16 million years ago. The Chuckanut Formation in areas south of Bellingham is known for Eocene plant fossils, providing insights into Washington’s past tropical climate.
Understanding Fossil Collection Regulations
Fossil collection in Washington State is governed by a complex set of regulations that vary significantly depending on land ownership. Collectors must always verify the current rules for their intended site to ensure legal and ethical practices. Ignoring these regulations can lead to fines, legal issues, and the loss of valuable scientific context for fossil discoveries.
Collecting on private land always requires explicit permission from the landowner. Without this, any collection is considered trespassing and theft.
For federal lands, regulations differ based on the managing agency. National Parks, for instance, generally prohibit any fossil collection, while U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands may allow casual collection of common invertebrate and plant fossils for personal use, often with size and quantity restrictions. However, vertebrate fossils and scientifically significant specimens are typically protected and require special permits for collection.
State lands, including State Parks and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lands, also have specific rules, often restricting or prohibiting fossil removal. For example, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park strictly prohibits collecting petrified wood.
Tribal lands are generally off-limits for fossil hunting without explicit permission from the tribal authorities, which is rarely granted to the public.
The Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) is a federal law that protects paleontological resources on federal lands, emphasizing their scientific and educational value and establishing penalties for illegal collection.
Essential Tips for Fossil Hunters
Successful and responsible fossil hunting requires preparation, safety measures, and ethical practices. Basic tools include a geological hammer for splitting rocks, chisels for precise extraction, and protective eyewear. Sturdy footwear, a backpack, adequate water, and a first-aid kit are also important for comfort and safety in varied terrain.
Safety precautions are important, especially when exploring rugged or isolated areas. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Be aware of weather conditions, potential hazards like unstable cliffs or loose rocks, and local wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance from cliff faces and exercise caution when using tools.
A field guide can help recognize common fossils. For delicate specimens, carefully wrap them in newspaper or tissue paper for transport, and use plastic bags for damp finds to prevent rapid drying and cracking. Once home, clean fossils gently with brushes to remove loose sediment, avoiding harsh chemicals that could cause damage.
Ethical practices are fundamental to preserving Washington’s paleontological heritage. Practice “leave no trace” principles by minimizing disturbance to the site. Avoid over-collecting, taking only what is needed and leaving common specimens for others. Respect all property rights and posted regulations. If a potentially significant or rare fossil is discovered, report it to a local museum, university, or paleontological society, as these finds can contribute greatly to scientific understanding.