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 😊

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.

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!

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

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

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!!

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

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.

I've wanted to see this ever since seeing them on your channel. Thaks for telling me exactly how to get there.

*SUGGESTION* that would involve other CWU faculty: recruit a botanist and a fauna expert for a "walk and talk" either here or one of your other proven sites. Your guests could describe undergraduate opportunities as well as the nearby ecology.

@christinedavies9214

2 жыл бұрын

I love this idea!

@nissanzamyadtech.4856

2 жыл бұрын

Its a amazing idea

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!!!

@charlieburkett

2 жыл бұрын

Since watching Nick I’m not allowed to be the driver in the Gorge or hwy 2 along the Kootenai in MT where the basalt cliff walls are! I absolutely cannot watch the road. 😎

@trossk

3 ай бұрын

Wait till you get to go up the Columbia from Wenatchee.

Thank You, Professor Nick, for helping us visit these awesome places! :)

Yep...once it warms up...lots of rattlesnakes out there. It was our annual Easter hike growing up just a couple miles west from there. We never hiked out into the columns during summer-too hot & snakes. We spent lots of time at the lakes though.

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!

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

Wow. Super impressive. Thank you for showing this. 🙏

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.

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.

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.

I did it - duplicated this hike - on August 22. Yeah, it was hot, but not too bad at 10 AM (97°F in Wenatchee later in the afternoon). For some reason, Google Maps kept sending me to the "official Drumheller viewpoint," and this isn't it, but by trying every side road off the main road between that "official" viewpoint and Othello, I eventually got to this one, and recognized it right away. No sign (or sound) of rattlesnakes, and the walk is easy (I'm 78). I made no attempt to go around to the other side to access the top. It's very quiet, which is a plus, and air quality was fairly good.

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.

Thank you for the hike, Nick. In Redrock, similar snake habitat, it's still a bit cool for the snakes to get out and about in March and if you do see them, they're not moving very fast. Take Care and see ya next time.

@markpashia7067

2 жыл бұрын

Far from an expert myself, but my time in the wild places over a lifetime have been that reptiles hibernate in cold season and come out once weather gets warm enough so likely much more linked to temps rather than dates. And like you say they are looking to sun themselves or find warm rocks to heat their bodies with so sunny days and the evenings after are when they are out in spring but they are really slow when they are colder. Generally speaking they do not want to mess with us so even copperheads that do not warn are likely to leave if they have a path to do so but are reluctant to leave a sunny spot when sun bathing so if you see one, just reverse course and walk around. You are in their home so respect them and be polite. I hear that most bites happen when folks go after them and they have to defend themselves. Just leave them alone. We are not food for them so they are seldom aggressive with people. Just watch where you are putting your feet. Got bit once stepping OVER a log instead of on top of log to look down on other side. My bad. Lucky I had high leather lineman boots on and he hit on the leather through blue jeans so no harm to me but I did step right on his back in the middle. Hope he was OK. That was long ago and far away when I was young and not so smart for the wilds.

Thanks, it's good just to see them again

I was there last September after your 351 class. It was amazing and not hard. Thank you so much Nick. Only worry was rattlesnakes as I am from Vancouver Washington, but didn’t see any. Can not get enough Nick. Thanks again

@robertsnow9328

2 жыл бұрын

You da man.

Excellent thank you always learning from you thee beautiful NWst of ours

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.

Enjoyed the walk and scenery . Lots of sage brush. Usually they have to fill holes and Redgrave the roads at least annually. That pile of white rock maybe left over material brought in to fill pot holes. Looks like an easy walk.

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!

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

Wow wish i could see it with my own eyes

Another treat! Great, thanks, Nick. Bruce is guiding a walk there (3/27; Othello Sandhill Crane Festival.)👍 Rattlesnakes have never been a problem for me either, though I've seen several.

Thanks for taking us along Nick!

Thanks Nick! We have planned a trip through the north cascades out onto the scablands and dry falls in June this year. Will add this fabulous place to our itinerary. Leslie from near Boston

I think even I could make that hike. Thanks Nick.

This is perfect, Nick! The Drumheller Channels are on my itinerary for an August visit to the scablands, and I've never been near there. It'll be hot and dry, but that's OK, and the road looks fine - my car isn't 4-wheel drive, or capable of off-road travel. I was going to ask about snakes - very uncommon in this part of Minnesota. The video is excellent, but yes, I want to see the columns in person. Thanks for the link to the parking lot - I'll use it!

@johnnyliminal8032

2 жыл бұрын

@Ray Sounds like a nice road trip. Have fun, be safe, and have fun.

@PeterSmith-rv3jz

2 жыл бұрын

I've done gentle hiking in the middle of the summer near here -- be sure to bring water! It's also extra nice to have a cooler of ice water in the car for when you get back from a hike.

Thank you Nick! Such an amazing view. I’m in central Indiana. Limestone. Oh the limestone 😀 I won’t be northeast any time soon but I’m adding parking lot coordinates to my map. Thank you for all you do.

I can’t get to places like this because of the distance .I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan .I want to thank you for posting this. I had Grandparents who lived in Montesano Washington .We lived in Schaumburg ILL .We would take Family Vacations to Washington .My first was in 1963 when I was 5 .The last one was in 1972. I know we drove at least once through Ellensburg .I had a uncle who worked for Weyerhaeuser ,in fact he was pretty much the head guy in Washington when Mount St Helens blew .I caught my first fish in Washington .Fished the ocean from the shore And fished in the Puget Sound .Washington is my favorite place other than the UP of Michigan .I definitely want to get back there again .It is on my bucket list .I now know a lot more of the geology of the places I went to as a kid. ( thanks to you) I want to return all the more .Thank you Nick .You don’t know how much your teaching and videos means to me ..You ended up in Washington I ended up in The Upper Peninsula of Michigan ..not to bad for two boys growing up in the Midwest Some say God vaccinations in the UP I might add He also vaccinations in the State of Washington.Looking forward to more teaching and videos Again thank you .

As a person from Vancouver Washington, my only worry was Rattlesnakes as I got there at Noon. Didn’t see any. Thank you Nick

@sitproperly

2 жыл бұрын

Careful in late spring through autumn. I had one crawl across my feet and THEN coil up and rattle at me. The nerve! It was where Nick was walking around the 10min mark

I was never interested in geology. Rocks were mildly interesting, I suppose. I found one of your videos and it absolutely changed that. I have been watching everything I can from you. You're an amazing teacher and I've learned a lot. Which in turn means I've been teaching my children. THANK YOU! And thanks for all the cool places you've led me to. So glad you put coordinates in the descriptions.

I would be interested in more videos like this. Places that I could go someday and check out. Thank you Nick for showing it.

It's a geohike video! Thanks for the heads up and tips of how to get there!

I am constantly amazed at the variety and grandeur of our geology. Where else can you see Flood Basalt, Rock Columns, flood ravaged Coulees, and more, all within an hours drive?

thanks for the tour / i’ll have to stop by here on my way to visiting my folks in Kalispell

"U find um rocks" series. Thanks Nick. Saved to my google maps.

I was out there a few weeks ago and took some good friends. We visited the overlook on Mcmanamon road. One of my friends had raised a suspicious eye about the ice age floods(being new from Arizona). Grasping these cataclysmic floods is hard! As we meandered along the overlook point, upon seeing the wild and vast swaths of cut land, he became a believer real quick. It's one of those special places that has a lot of different stories making up its chapter in history.

Been meaning to get some drone shots there. Thanks for sharing!

Great stuff, Nick! And greetings from Penticton!

I've been going to the refuge off and on for 50 years and only seen a few snakes. They don't want to be with you anymore than you want them. I'll be over this coming week for those nice trout.

Thank you so much, Nick. I am always looking for new places of geological repute to see and I appreciate the directions.

just amazing, would love to see formations like that.logistically impossible for an old cripple down under like me, but so unique and everyone who can should go experience the location at least once for themselves. I'm so jealous you guys have such an easily accessible location

Incredible Vista! From Arizona, jaw dropping.

man what an incredible geological state washington is. i really would love to see more of the state's wonders

Thanks for taking us on this nice walk! :)

This video is such a Wowww. Thanks, Coach! Always great to see your videos.

Thank you for taking us there and for your always great geology lesson. What a great rock formation! If you ever get down to the Toketee area on the N. Umpqua River, there are some great columnar basalt columns at Toketee Falls and across the river from the Soda Springs Powerplant. It's my neighborhood.

@jonathanblubaugh5049

2 жыл бұрын

Sileztia/Yellowstone Hotspot Basalt? Yes?

Wow! That's splendid! Thank you for bringing us along Professor Nick. Nice of you to point out these places to visit. I hope to get to at least one of the places you point out in the next month.

Nick thank you for this excellent video. I had visited the area before and thought that I had found "Lost Hammer Mesa." I was wrong. Now I have to come back! Thanks for all your wonderful work that helps us mere mortals understand, appreciate, and enjoy geology.

When ever i watch American rurel area video or Geological trip video.One thing i notice your local roads are well maintained. This is a example how american Road are.

They look so beautiful. I love basalt. You have inspired me to get out and video my local Aberdeen columns. Thanks Nick.

A Ramble while Rambling, great place, nice to see it is being respected, very little damage from 4x4 & no litter.

Thank you so much for this, Nick. Cheers from England.

One of these days I am going to road trip out there for a month or two and hit all of these wonderful spots.

@northwoods3d

2 жыл бұрын

stop and pick me up on the way, please?

My jaw dropped when you came over the rise…my eyes are glued to your progress. True beauty

That little parking lot had a porta potty when we were there for the crane festival last month. Hi Nick! Thanks for doing another field trip!

I always enjoy your presentations! You have shown many interesting and fascinating locations with good information. It’s very generous of you to take us along and share your knowledge.

Thank you NICK. I will never see this place in person being in Australia. But this is a very nice way to experience your country. I am no spring chicken either. I still can manage 9 holes of golf though (at 76).

Up on top where there isn’t dirt coverage it looks like neatly laid tiles a few feet back from the face…. Cool from many angles!

Thank you, Nick. We went out there last September but could not find the road in. We did get to see the columns from afar.

Amazing! Thank you for the intel - took the kids on a geology spring break tour last week & the drumheller was a highlight. It’s a gem.

Whenever I look at these columns, I always wonder how they ended up like krinkle Kut fries (the sections of each column). So fascinating!

@DM-hw4cr

2 жыл бұрын

Fast cooling lava flow.

Thanks for your information. Given me a new perspective of the lava flows and flooding when I spend my time along the tieton river at oak creek.

This looks like a very easy beginners icebreaker to oacific Northwest geology.

I still like the concept of roping all the stand-alone "walks" together under the category "Nick Among the Rocks".

This is what I wanted to see. But Google Maps led me to a little pulloff with a memorial sign and an informational poster station. Next trip for sure! As for your "role" in this video, I wish you'd do more of these. Visitors from out of state won't know where the choice spots are. Google is good, but misses the mark at least 30% of the time. Thanks for this!

Thank you. I knew where the general area was but now I know *exactly* how to get to those columns. Wow, can't wait to get out there...

GORGEOUS look at those SPECTACULAR COLUMS! LOOK AT WHAT THE LORD HAS MADE!

If I had known you were headed out there today my wife and I could have joined you. As kids we used to park where you parked and then walk north to black lake and jump off cliffs into the lake. (keeping an wary eye out for rattlesnakes of course. Lol..... and yes March is good to avoid too much rattlesnake interaction. Even if they come out they are very lethargic.

I went there on last Saturday Sunday twice in June. I did my map searches ahead and went to the North East plateau first on Saturday, June 28. Only on my way back i notices This site. I knew I missed it, I decided to came back here the next day. I confirmed that slanted landmark column!

Still in your corner, nick🥰... lots to catch up, since my dear dog of 15 years died, suddenly 😢..love and prayers to the family!

I was under the impression that the angled columnar structures were NOT the result of lava flows, but of magma intrusions underground that never made it to the surface, then cooled very slowly, crystalizing out the various mineral components and resulting in the structures seen here. Devil's Tower and the Giant's Causeway are of similar construction.

There’s another really cool set on the other side of the creek, too

thanks Nick

Really appreciate the walk up and view! Im 2002mi away... Be right there!! hehe Thank you for the map link for the exploration!

Thank you! That looks like a great day trip from Tri-Cities.

You can call these short videos “Wanderings with Nick” or “Nick’s Wanderings”.

Always enjoy your videos and have learned tons.

Rattlesnake heaven/habitat extraordinaire!

I should be out there someplace hiking instead of sitting here watching U-Tube.

I just found your channel and love it! Thank you for your work!

@northwoods3d

2 жыл бұрын

boy, have you got some catching up to do! LOL

@ppj0241

2 жыл бұрын

@@northwoods3d You got that right! Yikes that's a lot of videos!

Another great video ! Thank you !

For those in the UK, Isle of Mull has some spectacular columns and of course in N.Ireland there is the giants causeway.. worth seeing in real life

Sandhill cranes overhead (and what a sound they make) in this area today (before the rain).

I was at Drumheller today; parked at the correct area, but still not sure I found the same set of basalt columns. In one of your old videos from there, you were seated on the rocks, a student of yours was standing, and I heard him say that he would post the coordinates of that crack your hammer fell into.

Thank you Professor Zentner

I think at this point I know more about Washington state's geology than my own country's.

If you find my sunglasses that fell off my head in the adjacent crack of where you lost your hammer you can keep them. I'm sorry nature.

Thanks Nick ❣️

That little pile of white rocks was there last year too. March 2021

Wow, no kidding the road has been improved. It was kinda bad when we were there.

The scablands are huge and this area is just one of many places one should visit if so interested. Future Live Pop Up Geology location in April of 2022.