Crater Lake, Oregon
Earth Sciences

Field Camps

The Department of Earth Sciences offers multiple two-week (and one three-week) field camps each summer term. With the field camp, you will gain practical experience applying your Earth sciences knowledge in the field, exploring wildlands in Oregon and the broader American west. We offer an introductory camp and advanced camps. Field camp is a requirement for Geology and Paleontology track Earth science majors, but all are welcome to participate in the field camp. 

Introductory Field Geology Camps

Two-week and Three-week summer courses providing an introduction to geologic sciences.

  • Field Geology Camp: A two-week camping-based course in the The Lower Owyhee Canyon, south of Ontario, Oregon, offering an introduction to geologic mapping tools and skills, which may serve as a prerequisite for Advanced Field Geology Camp at some point in the future.
  • Cascade Volcano Field Course: three-week online/in the field hybrid course which examines recent volcanic activity in the Cascades, impacts of volcanism on people , infrastructure, and natural resources, and volcano monitoring and hazard assessment  

Open to: Current University of Oregon students only - ERTH majors, minors, and beyond. 

Prerequisites: ERTH 101 or ERTH 201 (Field Geology Camp only).

Advanced Field Geology Camps

Field based courses focused on advanced mapping and geologic interpretation of complex sites. Multiple two-week sections. 

  • Physical Volcanology Field Camp: Based out of Newberry Volcano, Oregon. Using methods and techniques pertaining to physical volcanology, we will determine the volume and intensity of the last eruption of Newberry Volcano (Big Obsidian Flow, 640 CE), and learn about silicic eruptions and tephra transport.
  • Classic Mapping Field Camp: Based out of Dillon Montana. During this project, we will first familiarize ourselves with the region’s Paleozoic and Mesozoic stratigraphy and then create a geologic map of Block Mountain, a complexly deformed area.
  • Hydrology Field Camp: Explores field sites around Eugene-Springfield area, including a local winery, wetland, Fern Ridge Reservoir, and the McKenzie River. Gain hands-on skills and apply soil and hydrology techniques in stunning natural settings

Open to: University of Oregon and non-University of Oregon students.  

Prerequisites: 

  • Field Methods 
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 
  • Structure 
  • Mineralogy and Petrology 
  • Introduction to Hydrogeology (Field Hydrology only)