Vantage in Kittitas County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Here and Gone
An Iceberg Graveyard
When floodwaters drained away, hundreds of icebergs carrying rocks from as far away as Canada were stranded. As the ice melted they left behind these exotic boulders, called erratics, to their final resting places.
(Left Illustration Caption)
During the largest floods, much of the surrounding countryside was under water.
(Center Illustration Caption)
Trapped in ice, erratics traveled hundreds of miles until the ice ran aground and melted. Erratics are most common in areas where floodwaters backed up and formed temporary lakes.
(Right Photo Caption)
Boulders, called erratics, were left at Ginkgo. Some were stranded more than 700 feet above the river. The majority of them are made of granite and diorite.
Erected by Washington State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 46° 57.277′ N, 119° 59.269′ W. Marker is in Vantage, Washington, in Kittitas County. Marker can be reached from Ginkgo Avenue, half a mile north of Vantage Highway. Marker is located at the interpretive center for the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park; a entrance fee may be required. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vantage WA 98950, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Carving Out Basalt Layers (here, next to this marker); A Living Landscape (a few steps from this marker); Explore Massive Floodscapes! (a few steps from this marker); In the Path of Cataclysmic Floods (a few steps from this marker); Buried by Enormous Lava Floods (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wanapums (approx. 1.2 miles away); Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vantage.
Also see . . . Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park - Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on May 2, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 313 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on January 29, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
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