A fossil is preserved evidence of plants or animals from the past. Fossils can include pieces of bones that have fossilized, imprints of plant structures or track prints left by a creature in clay. Anyone interested in fossils can visit rock and gem shops to purchase a piece of history. However, to get the real experience of what it takes to find these treasures you should try digging your own. In Fossil, a small town in eastern Oregon, you can try your hand at fossil hunting.
Drive to Fossil, Oregon. This town is located about 170 miles southeast of Portland. To get there take Interstate 84 east for 100 miles until you reach exit 104 (U.S.-97). Drive about nine miles south on U.S.-97 to get to OR-206. Take this road east 40 miles to OR-19. Driving south on OR-19 for 19 miles will bring you into Fossil, Oregon.
Drive to Fossil's Wheeler High School. The beds behind the school are the only place in Oregon where you are allowed to dig for fossils. At First and Main streets, continue north to the high school. You are asked to park east of the gym. Walk up the path at the right side of the hill.
Wheeler High School
600 B St.
Fossil, OR 97830
Pay your admission. As of September 2010 the prices are $5 a person or $15 for a family of four. Additional children are $3 plus the family fee and kids under 3 are free. There are also group rates of $20 for 10 people.
Walk along the digging area and keep your eyes open or pick a spot to dig. Use your pick and trowel (or other digging tools) to dig and chisel your way into the dirt to get to rocks where the fossils will be.
Examine rocks closely. Fossils may be on the sides or they may be inside. Chisel away some of the rock or break it along its layers to see if a fossil is inside.
