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The feature formed as a result of surface water/stream erosion of the varigated shales and siltstones in the Lower Cretaceous Cloverly Formation which outcrops at the site. The shales and siltstones eroded into a typical badlands type topography and the contrasting topography and bright colored shale and siltstone outcrops form the unique nature of the site.
A badlands is a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water. It can resemble malpaís, a terrain of volcanic rock. Canyons, ravines, gullies, hoodoos and other such geological forms are common in badlands. They are often difficult to navigate by foot. Badlands often have a spectacular color display that alternates from dark black/blue coal stria to bright clays to red scoria.
The stream exposed this area as a result of normal lateral erosion and the same straitgraphic unit is not exposed up or down stream and the feature therefore is restricted to this locality at this time. There are no unique minerals occurring at this locality to my knowledge. Shale, siltstone, claystone and gravel are the only rock types in the area.
The Cloverly Formation can contain dinosaur remains in some areas, however, I am not aware of any found in this immediate locality.
The requirements for claiming this earthecache are the following three points:
1.) As you face the site from the direction you drove up, what color formations are on the right and what color on the left?
2.) On the left side of this geological site you'll see some green mushroom type formations. How do you think they were formed?
3.)(optional) If you crawl down into the formation do you notice the different layers in the walls? Describe what colors of rocks you see in the walls on the east side of the formation compared to the ones on the west side. Why do you think they are so different?.