Here are 12 outlandish rock formations in Washington state worth every mile of hiking and rough driving to see:
1. Beacon Rock
A massive volcanic monolith rising 848 feet above the Columbia River Gorge, Beacon Rock is the second largest basalt volcanic plug in North America and offers hiking trails with spectacular views.
2. Steamboat Rock
Located in Steamboat Rock State Park, this giant basalt butte rises dramatically above Banks Lake, formed from ancient lava flows and carved by glacial floods.
3. Mima Mounds
Mystery surrounds these small, dome-shaped mounds scattered across prairies near Olympia. Their origin is debated, with theories ranging from seismic activity to burrowing mammals.
4. Dry Falls
Known as the site of the greatest waterfall that ever existed, Dry Falls is a massive dry cliff shaped by the Ice Age’s Missoula Floods, offering a breathtaking geological spectacle.
5. Indian Painted Rocks
Near Spokane, these rocks bear Native American pictographs that have survived for centuries, merging natural beauty with cultural history.
6. Haleets Rock
Found on Bainbridge Island, these ancient petroglyphs carved on basalt boulders are enigmatic markers of indigenous heritage.
7. The Tooth
A sharp, jagged rock formation in the Cascade Range, popular among climbers for its distinctive spire shape.
8. Omak Rock
A balanced rock perched precariously on a cliff, offering a stunning natural example of geological equilibrium.
9. Lexington Tower
A towering rock formation famous among rock climbers located near the Skagit River, with sheer granite faces.
10. Ruby Beach
Known for its striking sea stacks and unique rock formations sculpted by the Pacific Ocean waves on the Olympic Peninsula.
11. Sims Corner Eskers and Kames
These unusual glacial landforms near Grant County include mounds and ridges created by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.
12. Ginkgo Petrified Forest
Near Vantage, this fossilized forest showcases brilliantly preserved ancient trees turned to stone, providing insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
These outlandish Washington rock formations offer a mix of volcanic, glacial, coastal, and cultural wonders that reward adventurers with unforgettable views and stories.
Sources
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/13eqx0c/ama_we_are_the_geology_team_at_the_washington/)
(https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/ger_geol_map_WA_pagesize.pdf)
(https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/washington/geology)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rock_formations_in_the_United_States)
(https://www.othellowa.gov/basalt-formations)
