Stonerose is the name of a fossil site; a place where impressions of plants, insects and fish that lived 50 million of years ago can be found in shale. 

During the Eocene Epoch, the area now occupied by the City of Republic was part of an ancient lake.  Layers of sediment built up on the lake bed from volcanic activity occuring in the area. Today these layers of shale split apart like pages in a book revealing information about the ancient lake and its surrounding vegetation. 

Insects and fish, leaves and twigs and other debris found at Stonerose hold important clues to our eventual understanding of the geologic and biologic past of the Pacific Northwest. Of major significance is the presence of the earliest known records of the Rose family and Maple family. International scientists study the fossils found at Stonerose.

Visiting Stonerose Interpretive Center to see some of the common and not-so-common fossils found at our site is free. We also have a diverse collection of fossils on loan to us from all over the world for your viewing.  A retail store featuring rocks, minerals, and amber jewelry is open for you to find lovely gifts or items for yourself.

Looking for your own fossils at the Boot Hill Site is by admission only and is a fun and educational experience.  2014 Admission is a very reasonable $10 for Adults, $5 for Seniors and kids 4-17.  Tools are available for rent, or you can bring your own hammer and chisel.  The best part? You are allowed to keep three of your finds per day!* 

2014 Summer Season hours for fossil digging are Memorial Day through October 31.  Please check our website www.stonerosefossils.org for specific days and hours, as well as additional information that you can use.  

*Stonerose does reserve the right to retain any fossils that may be significant to palentology or to the Stonerose collection.