Rattlesnake Formation

Rattlesnake Formation
Stratigraphic range: Miocene-Late Pliocene
The caprock in this photo (near Picture Gorge) is the ignimbrite layer
TypeSedimentary and igneous
OverliesMascall Formation, Columbia River Basalt Group
AreaJohn Day Valley
Thickness700 feet (210 m)
Lithology
PrimaryFanglomerate, siltstone
OtherTuff (ignimbrite)
Location
Coordinates44°30′N 119°36′W / 44.5°N 119.6°W / 44.5; -119.6
Approximate paleocoordinates44°30′N 116°54′W / 44.5°N 116.9°W / 44.5; -116.9
RegionOregon
CountryUnited States
Extenteastern Oregon
Type section
Named forRattlesnake Creek
Named byJ. C. Merriam
Year defined1901
Rattlesnake Formation (the United States)
Rattlesnake Formation (Oregon)

The Rattlesnake Formation is a Miocene to late Pliocene geologic formation found along the John Day River Valley of Oregon, in the Western United States.