The Geologic History of the Diamond Lake Area

UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST

Through centuries, our Diamond Lake Area has jealously guarded a rich, geologic story—a story of rugged, rock-bound beauty, of cataclysmic creative forces, of charred and buried forests. The serenity of Diamond Lake, herself, has made me often wonder what secrets she holds.

For a number of years it has been my desire to see this story interpreted to the public. This dream came to fruition this past summer as Dr. Purdom, Assistant Professor of Geology, University of Oregon, was engaged to study the area's geologic formation. The report of his finding is contained in these pages.

This report represents a forward step in the relatively new National Forest Visitor Information Service program—a program designed to bring added enjoyment to the Forest visitor through interpretation of our Forest's wonders.

With sincere appreciation to Dr. Purdom, we present this report, anticipating that it will add to the enjoyment of those whose interest reaches into the geologic eras of the past and how that past has sculptured the face of the present.

We welcome the interest and participation of the Douglas County Park Department in the publication of this study.

Forest Supervisor
Umpqua National Forest

DOUGLAS COUNTY PARK DEPARTMENT

Diamond Lake, the gateway to the eastern entrance to Douglas County, holds for its customers bounteous recreation and natural beauty unspoiled by man.

Mt. Thielsen, with its rugged beauty towering above the scenic blue waters of Diamond Lake, is the highest point in Douglas County. Water from this high-cascade area is the starting point for the North Umpqua River, which meanders to the Pacific Ocean by way of rapids, famed fishing holes, parks, waysides and Salmon Harbor.

On certain occasions during the summer, holiday recreationists in the Diamond Lake area find themselves in the midst of the largest concentration of people in Douglas County. With better means of transportation, man's shorter work week, and increasing population, demands on this not-so-long-ago remote area have become ever increasing. This area provides maximum opportunity for people of all age groups to use their steadily increasing leisure time in a constructive and creative manner.

Douglas County appreciates this opportunity to work with the U. S. Forest Service.

Park Superintendent
Douglas County Park Department