About
For a historical and educational experience on your Willamette vacation, plan a day trip to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site.
An erratic is a rock not from the region deposited by a glacier. At Erratic Rock State Natural Site, guests can explore the 90-ton artifact from the Ice Age flood. This massive boulder is a sight to behold and has a history of billions of years.
The rock comprises banded argillite, a material that can be traced back over 400 miles to the 1.5 billion-year-old Belt. The rock's original home was Montana, which made it to Oregon while embedded in an iceberg.
Carried by glacial ice, the erratic was dropped when the ice at its current location melted.
The Erratic Rock State Natural Site was purchased from private owners in 1956. Since then, it has been a testament to the grandeur of natural history and geological processes.
The park also serves as an educational resource, aiming to educate visitors about the big floods that shaped the landscape and brought this colossus to its present location.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the most impressive features of the Erratic Rock State Natural Site is undoubtedly the rock itself. Weighing around 90 tons, it is the largest glacial erratic in the Willamette Valley.
But it's not just the size that makes it interesting; it's also its origin. Being from Montana, the rock has traversed hundreds of miles across states to reach its current location in Oregon.
Another fascinating park feature is the quarter-mile uphill hike to the boulder. Guests will pass blackberries, fields, and a vineyard to the left.
The trek is serene and beautiful, allowing the imagination to wonder as one ponders massive ice once filling the valley.
Erratic Rock State Natural Site is also situated near a glacial lake, adding to the area's overall mystique and beauty.
This combination of geological wonders, beauty, and tranquility makes visiting the Erratic Rock State Natural Site a must-do on your Willamette getaway.
Getting There
Follow these directions to the park when in the Willamette Valley area:
- Head south on 62nd Ct NE toward Fruitland Rd NE.
- Take Center St NE, OR-221 N,
- Zena Rd NW, OR-99W N/Pacific Hwy W
- OR-18 W to SW Oldsville Rd in Yamhill County
- Address: Erratic Rock State Natural Site, McMinnville, OR 97128
Cost
- Visiting the Erratic Rock State Natural Site is free.
- Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking uphill to reach the rock.
- Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
- Read the signage for an added educational experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscape.
- Visit during spring or fall for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- The site is not crowded, making it a perfect spot for a quiet, peaceful visit.