Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park was added to Your Favorites!
Vantage, Washington
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The park features a wide variety of petrified wood species, including ginkgo, elm, and walnut, dating back over 15 million years. Source: Washington State Parks
Petrified wood is created when plant material is buried by sediment and protected from decay due to oxygen and organisms, then groundwater rich in dissolved solids flows through the sediment, replacing the original plant material with silica, calcite, pyrite, or another inorganic material such as opal. Source: National Park Service
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park was founded in 1935 as a result of efforts by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public work relief program. Source: Washington State Parks
The park is home to ancient petroglyphs created by indigenous peoples, which were relocated to the park's interpretive center for preservation. Source: Washington State Parks
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River from the park, which is situated on a basalt bluff overlooking the river. Source: Washington State Parks
The region was once a subtropical forest, vastly different from the arid climate seen today, which contributed to the preservation of the wood. Source: Washington State Parks
