What an awesome comment! You may find some enjoyment in my videos as well. I do a lot of the same things but I'm no Nick. The "Illegal Gate Drop" video I put out a few weeks back was actually not far from Smith Rock.
I sure miss being physically able to go out hiking in places like that. It's been 8 years since a person messing with their cell phone while driving pulled out right in front of me on my motorcycle I was on a county road going 45mph. I woke up 27 days latter all broken. My passenger my dearest friend died... The person told the cops that they were messing with their cell phone and didn't see or hear me... SO PEOPLE PLEASE DON'T BE MESSING WITH YOUR DAM CELL PHONE WHILE YOUR DRIVING!!! That's for sharing your videos with us I really enjoy them... Some day this old bike will once again get back out there and enjoy hiking once again. I praise God for all the years I rambled across our great country before the wreck.... Be blessed in Jesus name... BBE...
Nick, allow me to just state that I've lived in the state of Washington my whole life. Yet I've learned so much more from your content than I ever had from any institutional center. I'm really grateful and appreciative of what it is that you do by informing the general public about our geology
I owned a farm about 5 miles from here for 42 years. Still miss it. I love Smith Rocks. Been on every trail there. Nice to learn about things I had no idea about. Thanks for the great lesson.
Ain't that the truth! PNW old-timer since 1975 when I moved here by choice. Love geology and now I see Nick Z intrigued by the climbers. ...I can hear him thinkin'..... Lessee, I can drop about a hundred and start looking at rocks on high close-up!! Always enjoy Nick's views on the "latest thinking" among geology pros. I'm an old guy, so I appreciate the pressure that J. Harlan Bretz was under when proposing his catastrophic theories about the floods that shaped eastern Washington. Give me a reply, maybe you can show me the trails and I can record our adventures!
Just telling my girlfriend about what a weird anomaly Smith Rock is. Told her about the miles of high desert flatland and then there's Smith Rock seemingly from out of knowhere. Grew up in the foothills of the cascades my whole life watched life return to Saint Helens literally daily for thirty years. And here I am in my mid forties learning more about the ground than a lifetime of hiking, hunting, and spelunking ever thought me. Thank you professor your videos have breathed new life and love into home.
Definitely worth watching more than once.... the feeling of being "there" was powerful and the views stunning. I really got a better sense of how this caldera is connected to the Yellowstone hot spot. Thanks for sharing!
During one of Nick's earlier lectures from a few years back, as he was explaining the path of the Continental Plate over the Yellowstone hot spot, I started to gain an understanding of how the clockwise rotation of the plate in the PNW around Pendleton would distort what would've been an otherwise straight path toward the Cascade Range and the Cape Mendocino triple junction. It all would appear to fit. I think there's substantial enough evidence her at Smith Rock to elevate theory to axiom.
Got to love Smith rocks “Misery Ridge” hike :) I love my hometown :) I was born in 93’ during a massive snowstorm in that area about 20 miles away. Thank you for sharing!
Much as I enjoy the downtown lectures and your interviews, these field excursions are truly wonderful, exposing me to beautiful vistas I am not likely to see in person, even if I were able to mountain goat my way up some of those trails! I'm grateful for the effort you make, and the explanation of how a jagged fragment of limestone you spotted can wind up embedded in a volcanic tuff.
My entire life as far back as I can remember I used to cross country walk like this, early 60's to mid 70's very rural south-central Kentucky my Grand Father, and I barely walking at first, would head out in the wilderness for miles, special times in my heart, only recently have I had to obey nature and stop. I can watch your exploits and somewhat know what the the air feels like, or the humidity that wears you down etc. Thanks
Many times I've passed Smith Rocks but never stopped. Thanks, Nick, for bringing to light the astonishing birth and formation of this beautiful geographic landmark. John Wayne once did a movie with Smith Rock as a backdrop.
Western rattler. Actually not being too nervous. They usually strike first and ask if you"re food later, like a white shark. Professor, thank you so very much for all of these. The inside of a supervolcano crater is absolutely stunning!
Such a gorgeous day at Smith Rock! Thank you Nick for including so many of the highlights of a visit to the park from rocks to river to junipers and wildlife (climbers included). Watching this Nick on the Fly after watching Nick from Home livestreams #11, 20, 25, & 55 (Olympic Peninsula/Siletzia, Super Volcanoes, Plate Tectonics, & PNW Plate Tectonics) really helped me better understand the Crooked River Caldera and its (current) location in Oregon. THANK YOU! It's so fun to learn all this.
1:36 into watching... I'm a freeloader on UA-cam since 2020 and revived my favorite college class geology 101 because of a wonderful teacher, Nick Zentner! Wow Nick, thought I'd been everywhere in Oregon! Never seen Smith Rock area... it's gorgeous! And this vid is 2 yrs old? Man, lockdown is brutal on us old folks.
It makes me so happy seeing a new video from you professor. I'm from the UK London and it's my dream to come and see your beautiful country the USA. When I watch these videos I'm transported right there with you thank you so much.
Nick my friend you are one sure footed mountain goat! But thank goodness you are because the views you recorded where certainly awe inspiring. The energy that it took to do these things is nearly unbelievable. Thanks!
Spectacular scenery. In fact, being an small town Englishman I'm just slightly amazed you're not All geologists over there!!?! Amazing. Thank you for all of your posts. Cheers. The UK.
Even without the fun & interesting geologic story to learn, this is magnificent scenery about which I never would have known without you. Thank uou so very much! (LTB, age 77)
Hi Nick I just want to thank you for your teaching about PNW Geology.. I've lived in WA State 58 of my 60 years in WA State and never understood all the out crops of Geo Strata that appears along the Hwys in our state.. until you so kindly shared your knowledge. Never heard of Smith Rock State Park until now.. My God its so beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it...
cannot tell you how much i appreciate all your videos, you made my son love geology (he's thinking of going to CWU, a freshman now in HS in Portland). We visit all these places after we see your vids, and have learned so much. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time!!
I love the views in these 'Nick on the fly'. Thank you for doing this. Putting this together is great. Amazing strides in understanding at the level humans have come. It seems that the clockwise rotation vs the counter clockwise rotation could be associated with with a forearc vs a back arc and that the paleomagnetism not being a fixed location could account for the earth's tilt, wobble and ellipse which could factor into the polar reversals (during an ellipse perhaps). Things in motion. It takes soil, sun and water to grow vegetation. It takes farmers and agriculture workers to grow and harvest the crops. It takes transportation and producing and distributing to get the food to the stores for people to purchase. It is all a process. :)
Hi Nick, As long as you are cruising around Oregon it would be interesting to hear your take on the differences in the amount of coastal uplift due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. If you compare Hwy. 26 going west to the coast it has 3 hills, 1300 feet high, 1600 feet, and 1600 feet. Compare that to taking Hwy. 126 west from Eugene to the coast. Relatively flat in comparison. Perhaps the Hwy. 26 west gets a lot of the rotational folding in addition.
A FANTASTIC video from the amazing geology teacher, Nick Zentner!! I took geology in 1971. Did quite well in physical geology but really fell apart in historical geology. Of course, historical was the one, being here in Texas. If you were going into the petroleum field, historical geology was super crucial. Of course I was NOT, unlike my cousin Bill, who went on to a lifelong career as a geophysicist and computer programmer. That dude was, is, a brilliant guy and he retired years before I did, with a lot more money. I, on the other hand, was an artist from birth (was I making art at age 2? Don't remember. But right now I have paintings in progress, and they have geologic features as a part. I love Nizk Zentner's videos because of my lifelong interest in geology, and because these wonderful videos give me ALL KINDS of painting ideas!! There you go, a whole lot of information you aren't information. Well, nobody is gonna read this comment probably. Anyway, LOVE this video, Nick!! An inspiration to me on many levels, as are so many of your videos :)
Nick, you really need to visit Leslie Gulch in Eastern Oregon. It is another remnant of the Yellowstone hot spot and the caldera left behind by Mt. Mahogany. It is truly amazing and most people have never heard of it. I visited last summer and one of the locals I met called it Smith Rock on Steroids.
WOW! Another great story told by the geo-evidence...a tiny chunk of limestone reveals an amazingly huge event! Thank you Nick for sharing & educating us.
Thanks. I will be going there the end of September as long as there’s no smoke from fires! That whole area is amazing! Great video, beautiful lighting!
Always fascinating! Beautiful! .... and I think you're part mountain goat, Nick ... You're amazing yourself, for that ability, and for all the great information you present so ... naturally!
We were at Smith Rock last month during that freak pre-Easter snowstorm. I was just in complete awe of it’s beauty. It was raining at the time so all the rocks were wet which made the colors stand out even more. We didn’t hike up to the rocks but even just from the viewpoints at the parking lots it was so beautiful. Completely unexpected. It’s good that you got there during a quiet time because apparently it’s quite popular with rock climbers. Ambulances standing by lol. I love when you venture down to Oregon. I live just southwest of Mt Hood so this is only a few hours away.
That trail looks terrifying. However I am not so steady on my feet and still getting used to progressive lenses. I’m sure the trail is wider than it looks but from here it looks like a mountain goat path.
You've done it again Nick, well done. I've run this one through 4 times and I'm coming back again tomorrow, on to the big screen! Thanks, Pete on the Isle of Wight.
I’ve climbed up to the top of Smith Rocks once! Steep, narrow and slippery (due to small pebbles ). Definitely recommend a hiking pole, particularly on the way down! Great video!
Love your videos. I live in Central Oregon and just returned home from the MacArthur Ridge area. As I explore more of Central and Eastern Oregon I see things in a different view now. Keep the videos coming.
Just accomplished this hike today! We hiked Misery Ridge, the Mesa Verde trail and then the trail back around the river. I blame you…you are always inspiring my love of exploring.
Hi Nick, love your videos. I visited Smith Rock a few months back on a whim and holy cow what an experience. got a tip from a kind stranger in Bend and went to check it out. I hiked around the entire place stayed until sunset. it was incredible. happy to learn more about the place now.
So, I think this video seals it. New, additional name = National Geographic Nick -- what SPECTACULAR scenery in this video to go along with the fascinating geologic history!!! Absolutely breathtaking! And I love the tie-in to the Baja theory. It actually made sense to this non-geologist. "Am I worrying you?", Nick asks, while continuing to climb up and down and over and out where there did not seem to be any visible evidence of a path! By the time you fielded the question I'd been holding my breath for so long that I now qualify for membership in the Pearl Divers Assoc. And that lovely snake, wow! It has the markings and size of a desert King snake. They're similar to the diamondback Rattler, but the tale (stripes all the way to the end and couldn't see a rattle) and head (not big enough for a poisonous snake of that size and there was no narrowing of the neck), and at least 4+ feet in size (mature desert Kings easily get to 4-6 ft.). What a beauty! Another great adventure with Nick, On The Fly!!!
It is unlikely that the snake is a Desert King Snake (Lampropeltis splendida) for two reasons: 1) Wikipedia says the range of the Desert King Snake is Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, quite far from Oregon and Smith Rocks 2) The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says there are 15 species of snakes native to Oregon, and the Department does not include the Desert King in that list. If the snake shown here was not a rattle snake, it was most likely a Gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), but Mr Zentner had at the best view. Can you tell us what it was?
Wow beautiful video and interesting geology. Thanks for taking us along. There's no way I could hike there now (too old and bad balance). Narrow trail and a long way down if you fall. .glad to hear there is a good trail down. Be careful please.
Oh this was fantastic. Now I know a new word too, clasts! I love in the nogeology land of Florida, but came from the Rockies, so to me this was not only educational but a nice visit back to rocks and volcanoes and pokey up rocks, lol. Thank you, bless you, Nick!
Thank you Nick for taking us to and sharing the most interesting and beautiful places with us. Following your adventures has been a very welcome thing during all this pandemic crud.
Very interesting place and beautiful. Not sure I can hike up there (scary), but watching and listening to you I may be able walk along the crooked river.
Nick, loved this clip. Your camera panned over it a few times, but I was hoping you were going to notice the lava flow originating from Newberry Volcano right up against the Crooked River. Dating from 750k ya, it flowed 40+ miles from its source and flowed down an ancient canyon the Crooked occupied and then dammed up the Deschutes. The edge of the lava flow can be seen in the final shot right above your head, river right. Lake Billy Chinook would be a great place for you to visit as you can see Grande Ronde, Columbia River basalts and John Day formation all within the same canyon. Go Cougs!
Have always loved your video's, and recently have been re-watching them as part of my prep for my RG test(s) this coming October. Smith Rock is one of my more beloved spots in the state, grew up hiking it with my dad, and in 2018 did a walking field trip for a couple of second grade classes out of Madras Elementary School. One of my favorite of your short PBS videos is on Smith Rock and you feature one of my colleagues with DOGAMI, Jason McClaughry. Just wanted to commend you on all the wonderful videos you do and for your ability to connect the nuances of "why's behind the how's" for this and so much more, you make it very relatable and interesting.
SR is my old rock climbing stomping grounds. Disabled now. Nice to see rocks from different point of view. You are at the start of sky ridge climb. One of my favs at the saddle
Brilliant! Thanks for bringing us along. A lot of geology stuck to me too, went down very smooth. To top it off, your photography is really good. Good eye for the composition in the frame.
What a great time of day to visit Smith Rock! So beautiful!! Nature is truly stunning and your explanation and guidance through the geologic journey is a wonderful addition to the views!
I've been in Oregon more than everywhere else since I was 21, and I've never seen a rattlesnake and that one's a beauty! I've been to Smith Rocks four times, but all before the "clockwise rotation" phenomena was figured out
I found this to be super exciting as I have wondered out Smith Rock for years. I feel you did a great job explaining the Yellowstone Hot Spot connection. I could visualize the male you drew in my mind. Thanks for bringing me along.
I’ve been in a wheelchair for last 18 years and your hikes, with the footsteps, are amazingly therapeutic for me sir. Much appreciated my man !!!!
Do you play poker online? What about pinochle?
What an awesome comment! You may find some enjoyment in my videos as well. I do a lot of the same things but I'm no Nick. The "Illegal Gate Drop" video I put out a few weeks back was actually not far from Smith Rock.
Me, too!
Heart attack & there's no way i can do those hikes now. It's like virtually hiking with him.
It's fantastic.
I understand that so well! I watch “Through my Lens” outdoor videos when I’m in a particularly bad pain flare/Fatugue. Had a TiLite for five years
This channel only keeps getting bigger and better. The Hollywood studios have nothing on you, Professor !
I sure miss being physically able to go out hiking in places like that. It's been 8 years since a person messing with their cell phone while driving pulled out right in front of me on my motorcycle I was on a county road going 45mph. I woke up 27 days latter all broken. My passenger my dearest friend died... The person told the cops that they were messing with their cell phone and didn't see or hear me...
SO PEOPLE PLEASE DON'T BE MESSING WITH YOUR DAM CELL PHONE WHILE YOUR DRIVING!!!
That's for sharing your videos with us I really enjoy them... Some day this old bike will once again get back out there and enjoy hiking once again. I praise God for all the years I rambled across our great country before the wreck....
Be blessed in Jesus name... BBE...
Nick, allow me to just state that I've lived in the state of Washington my whole life. Yet I've learned so much more from your content than I ever had from any institutional center. I'm really grateful and appreciative of what it is that you do by informing the general public about our geology
I owned a farm about 5 miles from here for 42 years. Still miss it. I love Smith Rocks. Been on every trail there. Nice to learn about things I had no idea about. Thanks for the great lesson.
Ain't that the truth! PNW old-timer since 1975 when I moved here by choice. Love geology and now I see Nick Z intrigued by the climbers. ...I can hear him thinkin'..... Lessee, I can drop about a hundred and start looking at rocks on high close-up!! Always enjoy Nick's views on the "latest thinking" among geology pros. I'm an old guy, so I appreciate the pressure that J. Harlan Bretz was under when proposing his catastrophic theories about the floods that shaped eastern Washington.
Give me a reply, maybe you can show me the trails and I can record our adventures!
Just telling my girlfriend about what a weird anomaly Smith Rock is. Told her about the miles of high desert flatland and then there's Smith Rock seemingly from out of knowhere. Grew up in the foothills of the cascades my whole life watched life return to Saint Helens literally daily for thirty years. And here I am in my mid forties learning more about the ground than a lifetime of hiking, hunting, and spelunking ever thought me. Thank you professor your videos have breathed new life and love into home.
Good morning Professor! Good morning fellow NickNerds!
*When the Yellowstone Hot Spot* starts glowin', the tuff gonna be blowin'!
Definitely worth watching more than once.... the feeling of being "there" was powerful and the views stunning. I really got a better sense of how this caldera is connected to the Yellowstone hot spot. Thanks for sharing!
During one of Nick's earlier lectures from a few years back, as he was explaining the path of the Continental Plate over the Yellowstone hot spot, I started to gain an understanding of how the clockwise rotation of the plate in the PNW around Pendleton would distort what would've been an otherwise straight path toward the Cascade Range and the Cape Mendocino triple junction. It all would appear to fit. I think there's substantial enough evidence her at Smith Rock to elevate theory to axiom.
Yay! Oregon stories!!!! Our whole family loves your episodes.
Got to love Smith rocks “Misery Ridge” hike :) I love my hometown :) I was born in 93’ during a massive snowstorm in that area about 20 miles away. Thank you for sharing!
Geology, zoology, rock climbing all in one video . Nice. ** These are trees ** 🤣😂 👍. Thanks
Yes loved the these are trees comments 😀😍😄😊. Your not into botany. Maybe some type of juniper??
Much as I enjoy the downtown lectures and your interviews, these field excursions are truly wonderful, exposing me to beautiful vistas I am not likely to see in person, even if I were able to mountain goat my way up some of those trails! I'm grateful for the effort you make, and the explanation of how a jagged fragment of limestone you spotted can wind up embedded in a volcanic tuff.
I am in Smith Rock area this weekend. I marvel at it every time I visit. So beautiful. Hitting Richardson's Ranch today for thunder eggs.
Is digging in the back acreage open again? It's been shut down for a year now.
@@susangardner5392 I was disappointed to see the field closed to thunderegg diggers some time ago; I'd be happy to hear it's open again.
The Lucky Strike Mine near Mitchel Oregon is still open for digging Thunder Eggs.
The Lucky Strike Mine near Mitchel Oregon is still open for digging Thunder Eggs.
Lovely Canyon Wren song at 3:33. They like this kind of place.
7 Nick-free days makes one weak! Great you’re back!
Thank you Professor for venturing into Oregon, sharing it's beauty from micro to macro and adding to our knowledge.
My entire life as far back as I can remember I used to cross country walk like this, early 60's to mid 70's very rural south-central Kentucky my Grand Father, and I barely walking at first, would head out in the wilderness for miles, special times in my heart, only recently have I had to obey nature and stop. I can watch your exploits and somewhat know what the the air feels like, or the humidity that wears you down etc. Thanks
Many times I've passed Smith Rocks but never stopped. Thanks, Nick, for bringing to light the astonishing birth and formation of this beautiful geographic landmark. John Wayne once did a movie with Smith Rock as a backdrop.
I'm a big fan.
"That's a tree. These are trees."
Thanks Nick!
Messing with you of course. Entertaining observation.
Beautiful pictures Nick thank you! I walk with a cane and would never be able to see it personally! Gorgeous!
Wow! A show from Oregon! A rare treat for those of us South if the Columbia…
Western rattler. Actually not being too nervous. They usually strike first and ask if you"re food later, like a white shark.
Professor, thank you so very much for all of these. The inside of a supervolcano crater is absolutely stunning!
Awesome Nick, thanks for sharing
You're getting me dizzy. :) What beautiful scenery and an amazing view of the Three Sisters! Thank you Nick.
I live in Las Vegas but was touring Oregon and was thrilled to come across this state park near Bend. Truly a gem!
Such a gorgeous day at Smith Rock! Thank you Nick for including so many of the highlights of a visit to the park from rocks to river to junipers and wildlife (climbers included). Watching this Nick on the Fly after watching Nick from Home livestreams #11, 20, 25, & 55 (Olympic Peninsula/Siletzia, Super Volcanoes, Plate Tectonics, & PNW Plate Tectonics) really helped me better understand the Crooked River Caldera and its (current) location in Oregon. THANK YOU! It's so fun to learn all this.
1:36 into watching... I'm a freeloader on UA-cam since 2020 and revived my favorite college class geology 101 because of a wonderful teacher, Nick Zentner!
Wow Nick, thought I'd been everywhere in Oregon! Never seen Smith Rock area... it's gorgeous! And this vid is 2 yrs old? Man, lockdown is brutal on us old folks.
Thank you, Professor! A Breath-taking landscape!
Hey Nick, this is amazing footage of smith rock, the lighting is perfect!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
I hope you knew the climbers, I would have been very nervous being filmed while climbing. just sayin'
It makes me so happy seeing a new video from you professor. I'm from the UK London and it's my dream to come and see your beautiful country the USA. When I watch these videos I'm transported right there with you thank you so much.
Awesome job Nick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we love you too good old Wis boy
the most incredible views i have ever seen. thank you again
Gorgeous scenery ~ thanks for the trip ! 👍
Love learning about geology ,love this beautiful area ,thx for showing
Stunning!!! What a trip you take us on!!! Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful landscape! And interesting as allways. This guy has really made me interested in his topic.
Thank you, Nick! Beautiful scenery and a tidbit or two intellectually, for sure.
Prof NIck. Thank you for your travels and lectures. Such a beautiful place!
Also, thank you for your continued humor and bringing smiles during covid19-2020!
Spectacular scenery and amazing views
Nick my friend you are one sure footed mountain goat! But thank goodness you are because the views you recorded where certainly awe inspiring. The energy that it took to do these things is nearly unbelievable. Thanks!
Spectacular scenery. In fact, being an small town Englishman I'm just slightly amazed you're not All geologists over there!!?! Amazing. Thank you for all of your posts. Cheers. The UK.
Nice vocalization by a canyon wren at 3:35 into the program! Thank you Nick for another super episode!
Even without the fun & interesting geologic story to learn, this is magnificent scenery about which I never would have known without you. Thank uou so very much! (LTB, age 77)
I just love the Smith Rocks. Need to spend more time there. Hello from Ridgefield, Washington.
Hi Nick
I just want to thank you for your teaching about PNW Geology.. I've lived in WA State 58 of my 60 years in WA State and never understood all the out crops of Geo Strata that appears along the Hwys in our state.. until you so kindly shared your knowledge.
Never heard of Smith Rock State Park until now.. My God its so beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it...
cannot tell you how much i appreciate all your videos, you made my son love geology (he's thinking of going to CWU, a freshman now in HS in Portland). We visit all these places after we see your vids, and have learned so much. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time!!
Beautiful place, Nick! Thank you!
I love the views in these 'Nick on the fly'. Thank you for doing this. Putting this together is great. Amazing strides in understanding at the level humans have come. It seems that the clockwise rotation vs the counter clockwise rotation could be associated with with a forearc vs a back arc and that the paleomagnetism not being a fixed location could account for the earth's tilt, wobble and ellipse which could factor into the polar reversals (during an ellipse perhaps). Things in motion. It takes soil, sun and water to grow vegetation. It takes farmers and agriculture workers to grow and harvest the crops. It takes transportation and producing and distributing to get the food to the stores for people to purchase. It is all a process. :)
The most scenic Nick on Rocks to date.... keep on crushing it Nick!!!
Hi Nick, As long as you are cruising around Oregon it would be interesting to hear your take on the differences in the amount of coastal uplift due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. If you compare Hwy. 26 going west to the coast it has 3 hills, 1300 feet high, 1600 feet, and 1600 feet.
Compare that to taking Hwy. 126 west from Eugene to the coast. Relatively flat in comparison. Perhaps the Hwy. 26 west gets a lot of the rotational folding in addition.
Your camera is excellent. The vista's are incredible. Thanks Nick
I bet the sky at night out there is amazing.
Nick - this video and the views of Smith Rock are just stunning!
It is so easy to see why you are in love with Washington geology. Your videos and commentary are exquisite!
Brings back a lot of great memories, thank you ❤
A FANTASTIC video from the amazing geology teacher, Nick Zentner!! I took geology in 1971. Did quite well in physical geology but really fell apart in historical geology. Of course, historical was the one, being here in Texas. If you were going into the petroleum field, historical geology was super crucial. Of course I was NOT, unlike my cousin Bill, who went on to a lifelong career as a geophysicist and computer programmer. That dude was, is, a brilliant guy and he retired years before I did, with a lot more money. I, on the other hand, was an artist from birth (was I making art at age 2? Don't remember. But right now I have paintings in progress, and they have geologic features as a part. I love Nizk Zentner's videos because of my lifelong interest in geology, and because these wonderful videos give me ALL KINDS of painting ideas!! There you go, a whole lot of information you aren't information. Well, nobody is gonna read this comment probably. Anyway, LOVE this video, Nick!! An inspiration to me on many levels, as are so many of your videos :)
Nick, you really need to visit Leslie Gulch in Eastern Oregon. It is another remnant of the Yellowstone hot spot and the caldera left behind by Mt. Mahogany. It is truly amazing and most people have never heard of it. I visited last summer and one of the locals I met called it Smith Rock on Steroids.
What a beautiful place! This was a real treat to see and learn about. Thank you Nick!
WOW! Another great story told by the geo-evidence...a tiny chunk of limestone reveals an amazingly huge event! Thank you Nick for sharing & educating us.
Thanks. I will be going there the end of September as long as there’s no smoke from fires! That whole area is amazing! Great video, beautiful lighting!
We may see you there, Sharon - we'll be the people with bikes and hammers. :)
Always fascinating! Beautiful! .... and I think you're part mountain goat, Nick ... You're amazing yourself, for that ability, and for all the great information you present so ... naturally!
For me , most amazing scenery of any videos you've done. Scared the heck out of me for the first time , about 9:30 mark. Great , great job.
We were at Smith Rock last month during that freak pre-Easter snowstorm. I was just in complete awe of it’s beauty. It was raining at the time so all the rocks were wet which made the colors stand out even more. We didn’t hike up to the rocks but even just from the viewpoints at the parking lots it was so beautiful. Completely unexpected. It’s good that you got there during a quiet time because apparently it’s quite popular with rock climbers. Ambulances standing by lol. I love when you venture down to Oregon. I live just southwest of Mt Hood so this is only a few hours away.
That trail looks terrifying. However I am not so steady on my feet and still getting used to progressive lenses. I’m sure the trail is wider than it looks but from here it looks like a mountain goat path.
You've done it again Nick, well done. I've run this one through 4 times and I'm coming back again tomorrow, on to the big screen! Thanks, Pete on the Isle of Wight.
I love how you somehow capture the essence of being there.
I’ve climbed up to the top of Smith Rocks once! Steep, narrow and slippery (due to small pebbles ). Definitely recommend a hiking pole, particularly on the way down! Great video!
Love your videos. I live in Central Oregon and just returned home from the MacArthur Ridge area. As I explore more of Central and Eastern Oregon I see things in a different view now. Keep the videos coming.
Just accomplished this hike today! We hiked Misery Ridge, the Mesa Verde trail and then the trail back around the river. I blame you…you are always inspiring my love of exploring.
Again, thanks a lot Nick. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. These field trips really help me "see" what you're telling me.
Thank you for taking us to one of my favorite spots and for explaining the wild geology of Smith Rock. The later has perplexed me for years.
Hi Nick, love your videos. I visited Smith Rock a few months back on a whim and holy cow what an experience. got a tip from a kind stranger in Bend and went to check it out. I hiked around the entire place stayed until sunset. it was incredible. happy to learn more about the place now.
So, I think this video seals it. New, additional name = National Geographic Nick -- what SPECTACULAR scenery in this video to go along with the fascinating geologic history!!! Absolutely breathtaking! And I love the tie-in to the Baja theory. It actually made sense to this non-geologist.
"Am I worrying you?", Nick asks, while continuing to climb up and down and over and out where there did not seem to be any visible evidence of a path! By the time you fielded the question I'd been holding my breath for so long that I now qualify for membership in the Pearl Divers Assoc.
And that lovely snake, wow! It has the markings and size of a desert King snake. They're similar to the diamondback Rattler, but the tale (stripes all the way to the end and couldn't see a rattle) and head (not big enough for a poisonous snake of that size and there was no narrowing of the neck), and at least 4+ feet in size (mature desert Kings easily get to 4-6 ft.). What a beauty! Another great adventure with Nick, On The Fly!!!
It is unlikely that the snake is a Desert King Snake (Lampropeltis splendida) for two reasons:
1) Wikipedia says the range of the Desert King Snake is Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, quite far from Oregon and Smith Rocks
2) The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says there are 15 species of snakes native to Oregon, and the Department does not include the Desert King in that list.
If the snake shown here was not a rattle snake, it was most likely a Gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), but Mr Zentner had at the best view. Can you tell us what it was?
How did I miss this one?! Excellent. Thank you again from Hereford in England.
Wow beautiful video and interesting geology. Thanks for taking us along. There's no way I could hike there now (too old and bad balance). Narrow trail and a long way down if you fall. .glad to hear there is a good trail down. Be careful please.
Sorry I missed the live stream . Beautiful country. Sunrises and sunsets really make the colors of the rocks pop.
Nick, thought about a show from crater lake?
Oh this was fantastic. Now I know a new word too, clasts! I love in the nogeology land of Florida, but came from the Rockies, so to me this was not only educational but a nice visit back to rocks and volcanoes and pokey up rocks, lol. Thank you, bless you, Nick!
Thank you Nick for taking us to and sharing the most interesting and beautiful places with us. Following your adventures has been a very welcome thing during all this pandemic crud.
Thank you once again, Professor Nick. This place is absolutely Awesome!
Very interesting place and beautiful. Not sure I can hike up there (scary), but watching and listening to you I may be able walk along the crooked river.
Thanks for expanding to Oregon!
Another splendid and informative tour!
Really beautiful country over there!
My favorite “Nick on the fly” video. Spent some time at Smith Rock years ago but the weather was terrible and couldn’t hike much.
I love this channel! Thank you, Nick! You're the Bob Ross of Geology. That river is the best mirror I've ever seen.
Beautiful scenery, interesting, educational video from the Itinerant Geologist; good work.
Nick, loved this clip. Your camera panned over it a few times, but I was hoping you were going to notice the lava flow originating from Newberry Volcano right up against the Crooked River. Dating from 750k ya, it flowed 40+ miles from its source and flowed down an ancient canyon the Crooked occupied and then dammed up the Deschutes. The edge of the lava flow can be seen in the final shot right above your head, river right.
Lake Billy Chinook would be a great place for you to visit as you can see Grande Ronde, Columbia River basalts and John Day formation all within the same canyon.
Go Cougs!
Go Cougs!
That was fun. One of your best hikes on the fly! Great content.
This is so beautiful, thanks for sharing. I'm afraid of heights and held my breath all the way down.
Have always loved your video's, and recently have been re-watching them as part of my prep for my RG test(s) this coming October. Smith Rock is one of my more beloved spots in the state, grew up hiking it with my dad, and in 2018 did a walking field trip for a couple of second grade classes out of Madras Elementary School. One of my favorite of your short PBS videos is on Smith Rock and you feature one of my colleagues with DOGAMI, Jason McClaughry. Just wanted to commend you on all the wonderful videos you do and for your ability to connect the nuances of "why's behind the how's" for this and so much more, you make it very relatable and interesting.
Beautiful! Loved it! Thanks Nick!
SR is my old rock climbing stomping grounds. Disabled now. Nice to see rocks from different point of view. You are at the start of sky ridge climb. One of my favs at the saddle
Wow, high def photography, so very clear! Love it!
Brilliant! Thanks for bringing us along. A lot of geology stuck to me too, went down very smooth. To top it off, your photography is really good. Good eye for the composition in the frame.
What a great time of day to visit Smith Rock! So beautiful!! Nature is truly stunning and your explanation and guidance through the geologic journey is a wonderful addition to the views!
I've been in Oregon more than everywhere else since I was 21, and I've never seen a rattlesnake and that one's a beauty! I've been to Smith Rocks four times, but all before the "clockwise rotation" phenomena was figured out
Beautiful presentation. Thank you so much. 3:33 canyon wren.
Pretty place. Thanks, Nick.
I found this to be super exciting as I have wondered out Smith Rock for years. I feel you did a great job explaining the Yellowstone Hot Spot connection. I could visualize the male you drew in my mind. Thanks for bringing me along.