Calendar

Past Activity

Canceled: Cascadia Cave

  • Start date: 05/24/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 05/24/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

The Kalapuya people have lived in the Willamette Valley since long before the arrival of settlers in the early 19th century, and their rock art is still visible at Cascadia Cave. Located on the South Fork of the Santiam River, this area is both culturally and geologically significant. This site, on the National Register of Historic Places, has been used for almost 8000 years. It is on private land but the Sweet Home Ranger District has permission to lead guide tours.
USFS archaeologist Tony Farque will present an informative and entertaining talk about the Kalapuya and their connection to this site.

Donations to the tribe representatives can be made if they attend this outing.

  • Event Leader: David Cooper

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-868-5427

  • Event Leader Email: dwcoop@yahoo.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: See Trip Description

  • Rating: Easy

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 112

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Weather appropriate clothing, lunch, water. You might want something to sit on to avoid dampness. A space blanket ( or part of one) works well.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 2

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 50

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

A wealth of information and stories were shared with sixteen Obsidians on this warm spring day. Tony Farque, Stephanie Wood Craig, and Don Day met us at Cascadia State Park with three tables covered with artifacts and examples of Kalapuya tools and baskets. Tony gave us a general overview of western Oregon tribes and trade. Stephanie, a master weaver, explained the baskets she and her "grancestors" had made using traditional materials and techniques. Don's table was full of obsidian and the tools he has made. The native tools of stone, antler, and wood he uses to knap obsidian and work cedar were there for us to examine while he explained the techniques involved. Then it was time to walk the mile along the river and through a quiet forest to Cascadia Cave. We stopped along the way to view 800-1200 year old trees and the ceremonial salmon-fishing site. At the cave, Tony, a Forest Service Archeologist, gave an entertaining and informative presentation. A master storyteller, he wove the symbols on the cave walls, archeologist interpretations, and native oral history into a compelling narrative. We all came away with a fuller understanding of the people that occupied the Willamette Valley and foothills for thousands of years.