Description:

This is a visit to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site, Fort Yamhill, and the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center.
We leave Eugene and drive north on I-5 to Salem. We will have a 10-minute break at the Santiam River Rest Stop. Then, we’ll make our way to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site to see a 90-ton traveler from one of the Ice Age floods that filled the Willamette Valley some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago. The hike is about 1 mile out and back.
We then continue for 15 minutes to the Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area. The history surrounding the fort is a reminder of the dark side of Oregon’s past as a territory and the conflict among settlers, the United States government, and Native people. Visiting the park is an opportunity to learn and understand more about the difficult past of our nation, as well as the Northwest. There is a short, flat, interpretive walk. Note: At the time of this writing, the Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area is being transferred to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Bring a sack lunch, and we will find a place in the shade somewhere at the fort.
After lunch, we travel 15 minutes Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center. Chachalu tells the story of the Tribes and Bands of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, and to honor the Elders who kept Tribal traditions and dreams alive during the years of Termination.
We will return via Corvallis and have a meal in town between 5 and 6 pm. There are several places to grab a bite to eat.

Schedule:
(The times below are approximate):
09:00: Depart Amazon Park in Eugene (Drive and drive on I-5 to Salem > 99E > 22, taking a 15-minute rest stop along the way)
11:00: Arrive at Erratic Rock State Park
11:45: Depart Erratic Rock
12:00: Arrive Fort Yamhill (lunch somewhere on the trail)
14:00: Depart Fort Yanmhill
14:15: Arrive Chachalu
16:00: Depart Chachalu
17:00: Arrive Corvallis via Hwy 99; grab a bite to eat and/or explore on your own
18:15: Depart Corvallis
19:30 (7:30pm): Return to Amazon Park, Eugene

Fees:
# Chachalu is free to visit, but donations are accepted.
# Yamhill might have a parking fee of $5 to $10.
# See passenger fees listed above.
# If temperatures are 90 degrees F and above, we will be shortening our time at both Erratic Rock and Fort Yamhill, and will find cooler areas at the museum or spend a few extra minutes in Corvallis.
Bring a bag lunch. Plan for changing weather; bring a rain jacket, sunhat, sunglasses, and wear layers. We will need to carpool. This trip is exploratory for the trip leader.