Customer Reviews

Roadside Geology of Idaho (Roadside Geology Series)

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The state of Idaho is full of interesting geology; from the Craters of the Moon, to the Snake River Canyon, to the lakes of the Idaho Panhandle. Every tourist and sightseer should have a copy of this informative book to guide them along an adventure that includes geological orientation interwoven with on-site observation. A "must-read" for the traveler!

As always, David Alt and Donald Hyndman team up to provide a very readable expert presentation of the current and past geology of a state with a very dynamic geological past and present. As a non-geologist who doesn't plan to visit Idaho anytime soon, I still learned plenty about how geology works from the discussion, drawings and photos of many specific sites and regions. 100 million years ago, Idaho was part of the western shore of North America. You'll learn where to find evidence of the collision that ended this era. You will learn about the many Ice Age lake megafloods that left their marks on the major river valleys. Nearly all the surface of the state is dominated by a diverse collection of igneous rocks from at least 5 major events over the past 100 million years, one or two of which are still active. You will have to read the book to discover all the other interesting details.

The entire Roadside Geology series is excellent; this book is no exception. I particularly enjoy their maps, which do a good job showing the different geological formations you can expect to pass through as you drive on a particular highway. The authors explain geological processes with extreme patience, as though they are teachers as much as writers.

I have one general quibble with the series, and that is the seeming disdain the authors show for old-time prospectors. It shouldn't be hard to understand why hordes of miners flocked from one gold rush to the next; getting their first could mean striking a fortune. Idaho's mountains are full of ghost towns and deserted mining camps that came and went, and I find those old locations--especially the tailings piles--to be a great source of rocks and minerals. The men who prospected hidden valleys and remote locations were smart and able, and save for those few who trespassed on reservations and misbehaved, my hat is off to them.The authors don't seem to share my feelings, but that doesn't take away from these great books. Anyone intent on exploring Idaho would do well to add this book to their research stack.

Have purchased a number of books in this series. All were very useful.
Whether a student of geology [i am] or just someone who enjoys an enhancement to a trip. This is a wonderful companion.
Idaho is a extremely diverse area geologically. And a great choice to visit if you have an interest in such.