New scientific evidence continues to support the idea that America was primarily colonized by seafarers, who hugged the coast of Asia, then Beringia, and then the Pacific Northwest coast: foraging the coast or nearby coastal islands, which were often free of ice and likely filled with the same plants we see here, and seals, and salmon.

For years, it was assumed on a bed of circumstancial evidence that the Americas were populated by a land route along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.  Now, it is becoming more likely that both continents were populated by Pacific seafarers, paddling these coasts.

Because the ice age sea level was much lower, yesterday’s coastlines now sit underneath murky waters; archaeological evidence of these first Americans will likely never truly be uncovered.

With so much of Oregon’s prehistory either underwater or unaccounted for, I realize shovels and huckleberry picking won’t get us very far. 

I am one of those people who prefers to figure things out on my own. I blow things up, I stumble along, and eventually, maybe, I figure it out.

But not this time. My errors can only be portals to so much discovery. Learning about Oregon's old Native history will require some outside help.

Maps and Journals Oregon Map

Pacific Northwest Kalaloch, Washington The Barnacles of Kalaloch This narrative explores the role of that ancient animal, the barnacle in the tidepool waters of Kalaloch beach on the Olympic Peninsula. Neah Bay, Washington The Artist and the Whale Hunter forever shrouded in a thick fog and a light drizzle, as if from a plane you could never know it was there. Portland, Oregon Bluegrass in Cascadia An adventure through Portland and its rapidly changing view of itself and the outside world. Cental Coast, Oregon Umpqua Dunes Genesis Part III of the Oregon Testament. My attempts to learn about Oregon's native prehistory begins with an explosion, and some success. We discuss the origins of Native Americans in Oregon, and why the coast is the perfect place to begin this project. Coastal Ranges, Oregon Foraging Nehalem Valley Part IV of the Oregon Testament. Glowing Mushrooms, deer-meat, stone and a Portland underworld creating a world based on old ways. Columbia Valley, Oregon River Civilization Part V of the Oregon Testament. Caged bears, salmon spears, and very old poo.