Fort Rock Geological Formation & Museum

 

We visited Fort Rock after leaving Summer Lake.  Fort Rock is a formation that rises out of the desert.  It was formed through volcanic activity when the area was under water.  You can find Fort Rock off Hwy 31.  Besides the formation, the town of Fort Rock is nearby and the town does have a museum.

 We did get some wonderful views of the formation.

The museum was located just outside of town with a great view of the rock.  It was late August.  The day was hot, dry and windy.  Because the weather seemed so harsh, I think it was a great day to go visit the museum.   I could really relate to the hardship of settling such a remote area.  As I stopped at each of the cabins within the museum, I thought to myself “Why would anyone settle here!”  Many of the people who came to the area did try to plant crops.  One of the settlers whose home was in the museum, tried to grow crops and failed.   I imagine failure was commonplace.

On another day, I might have felt very different about the area.  The volunteers at the museum did tell me that it had rained a few days before our visit.  I know from the stories of the settlers that the wind blew even in winter.  It makes me shiver just thinking about it.

The museum does contain a bit of Native American artifacts.  Apparently the weather in the area changed significantly throughout the time that humans have inhabited the area.   I think the geological and archaeological history is fascinating.

Just in case you’re wondering, the museum buildings have been moved to the stop where they stand now.