Lost Dune Archaeological Site Harney County Field Trip
Description: The Lost Dune site (35HA792) was discovered in 1980 by Scott Thomas and his crew doing an archaeological survey for BLM in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge area. The site dates to about 1500 AD and has very strong evidence of bison hunting and butchering. Many of the artifact classes at the site are rarely seen in this part of Oregon. There are another 21 sites in Lake, Harney, and Malheur Counties that have similar assemblages. But this site has the largest collection of ceramic pot sherds, some decorated, of any site in Oregon. It is likely to be evidence of a late prehistoric movement of Shoshone speaking bison hunters migrating into what is considered Paiute territory. We are likely to see artifacts of all types at the site.
The site is located about 35 miles south of Burns near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Vehicles with clearance similar to Subaru Outback's should have no trouble getting to the parking area beyond the Headquarters. Anything lower may have difficulty. It is about a third of a mile hike to the site over relatively level sandy soil, with cheat grass as the biggest problem. Scott recommends using x-county ski gaiters to keep the cheat grass out of your shoes and socks.
Individual Options after the Lost Dune site tour.
Given the long drive, the ASCO tour is focused on the Lost Dune site, but those that can, may want to consider the following options, which are not part of the ASCO trip:
1. The Harney County Historical Museum is located on the Northeast end of Burns, with past and local settler artifacts and archaeological specimens, including arrow heads and Native American sandals similar to those from Paisley Cave. it is open 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday-Saturday. There is a small admission fee.
2. The Malheur Cave is located about 55 miles past Burns off Highway 78. Open 10-4 PM July 25 & 26 only. The Robert Burns Masonic Lodge No. 97 in Burns purchased the cave and the surrounding 40 acres of land to use as a meeting venue. The inside has been modified to function as a meeting hall. The floor is paved with asphalt in sections, and stadium-style bleachers and a Masonic altar have been installed to facilitate large gatherings. To protect it from vandalism, The Lodge only opens it a few weekends each year. Lodge requires release of information, no guided tours, Admission is Free, but Donations are requested. There is No cell service, toilet, water, shade, except in cave; bring flashlight.
Malheur Cave is a classic lava tube extending approximately 3,000 feet (910 m) from the entrance to the rear termination. The entrance is relatively low, but the interior opens into spacious chambers with ceiling heights varying from 8 feet near the mouth to approximately 20 feet further inside. The tube ends at an underground lake. The water level fluctuates significantly based on seasonal precipitation and the local water table; during high water stands, the lake can extend to within 1,000 feet of the entrance. Before the arrival of settlers, the cave was known to the Northern Paiute people. Regional oral traditions and creation narratives referred to it. According to the Oregon Natural Desert Association and published oral histories, the cave is described as an "underworld" or origin place associated with the subterranean water. In the book Legends of the Northern Paiute: As Told by Wilson Wewa, the site plays a role in the tribe's traditional cosmology.
Logistics: 07:45am -Meet at the North end of the Barnes and Noble Parking Lot off NE 27th St. in Bend to coordinate any volunteer carpooling.
08:00am- Leave for Burns and meet up at Hines Park which has bathrooms and is across from the Sinclair Gas Station (snacks) by 10:30AM. Leave Hines at 11:00am- and drive about 45 minutes to the parking area. Then hike a third of a mile. We’ll spend about an hour plus at the site. We’ll eat lunch there, explore and talk with Scott about the site and look for shade!
Option 1: The Harney County Historical Museum - back in Burns at the top of the hill on the left as Hwy 20 exits Burns to the North.
Option 2: The Malheur Cave is about 30 miles from the MNWR Headquarters using the Sodhouse/Princeton gravel road heading east until it connects to Hwy 78, turn right (SE); Drive to MP 52, Turn left (east) toward Tree Top Ranch; Drive 3 miles east on dirt road; (The Lodge should have signs); After the 4th cattle guard, turn left around the corral and follow the road West.
ASCO expenses: None
Participant Expenses: Gas and time
Mobility considerations: Flat hike on uneven gravel with cheat grass.
What to bring: Sturdy footwear, hat, sunscreen, water, walking sticks as needed, and a sack lunch. Dress appropriately for hot weather conditions.
Scott Thomas
