The Restless Northwest: A Geological Story

by Hill Williams

The Restless Northwest provides a brief, easy-to-follow overview of the geologic processes that shaped the Northwest.

One of the attractions of the Northwest is its varied terrain, from the volcanic Cascade Range to the flood-scoured scablands of eastern Washington and the eroded peaks of the northern Rockies. These vast differences are the result of a collision of the old and the new. The western edge of Idaho was once the edge of ancient North America; as eons passed, a jumble of islands, minicontinents, and sediment piled up against the old continental edge, gradually extending it west to the present coastline.

Figuring out how and when these various land forms came together to create the Northwest took much geological detective work. Unlike many geology books that focus on rocks, The Restless Northwest emphasizes the human drama of geology. The narrative is sprinkled with firsthand accounts of people involved in the exciting geological discoveries made in recent years.

Hill Williams uses an informal conversational style to explain complex processes to a general readership. He enlivens the story of long-ago geologic events with fascinating asides on everything from enormous undersea tube worms to the Willamette meteorite, the largest ever found in the United States. Interested readers will discover much about Pacific Northwest geology without getting bogged down in an overabundance of details and scientific terms.

Genres: Geology, Science, Nonfiction, History

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

•audiobook•

The wonderful, beautiful Northwest of the US is so rich with geological answers, discoveries, and understanding tectonics and volcanoes. As a East Coaster, I had no idea. The Northwest seemed so quiet...

Mesmerized by the narration of James Killavey, I was searching for other books by him (he was fabulous with the sci-fictional works of Bertauski) and came across this Non Fiction Science book.

It was written to easily explain the technology and vocabulary. I loved it. It found a way to present the facts combining educational and entertaining.

Highly recommended for those who seek an occasional non fiction or historical listen once in a while. It’s deep, yet light and fluffy.

[Wendy Feltham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the geological forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest... up until 2002. I wish it included current research! Nevertheless, it is very well written by Hill Williams, a science writer for the Seattle Times, who has since passed away. Williams explains complex geological events with clear language and approachable metaphors, as well as simple graphics, that help a non-geologist make sense of the complexity. I came away impressed with the challenges and hard work facing geologists, an appreciation for the beauty and contrasts in Washington state, and fear of future catastrophes!

[Kate Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful companion piece to The Next Tsunami, which I read earlier this year for the second time. Williams won the Washington state book award for this book. I agree with the back cover, which states, “In his informal, conversational style, author Hill Williams provides a brief, easy to follow overview of the complex geologic processes that shaped the Northwest.” I have a much better picture of how the tectonic plates work and how the Pacific NW came to be attached to the North American continent. It’s like jigsaw puzzle pieces.

[Anie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rollicking bit of fun. Each chapter is an independent topic in PNW geology - typically connected to, but not dependent on, the other chapters. This is a perfect read for someone who's a relative geology novice - you'll learn things, about both general geology and about the PNW, but without getting beleaguered by dense academic prose. I enjoyed this and will likely reread (and press it on friends).

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on NW geology I've read so far. It is comprehensive, detailed, and very easy to follow. It's definitely a book I want to keep to reread and refer too.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long long fascinating time to make our region the way it is today. from volcanos to the water gap, lava to ice rivers, it all shapes us

[Dan Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have an interest in the geography and geology of the Pacific Northwest, this is a GoodRead. Who knew there was so much action with the various tectonic plates up there!

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of northwest geology. As someone not that familiar with the geography, I would have liked more maps and diagrams.

[Howard Frisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books on Washington State geology, definitely deserving of a 5-sytar rating. It is a captivating and accessible exploration of the geological forces that have shaped the Pacific Northwest. The book offers a concise overview of the complex processes behind the Northwest’s diverse terrain—from the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range to the flood-carved channeled scablands of eastern Washington and the rugged northern Rockies. The author frames this geological story as a collision of the ancient and modern forces of tectonic plates, explaining how the region evolved from the edge of ancient North America to its current form through the gradual accretion of terranes, lava flows, cataclysmic floods, volcanoes, and earthquakes. What sets this work apart from typical geology texts is its emphasis on the human element. Rather than focusing solely on rocks and tectonic jargon, the author explains the evidence that scientists used to figure out all this stuff.

Anyone who liked this book would also enjoy another one of my favorites:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...




Written in an informal, conversational style, "The Restless Northwest" excels at simplifying intricate concepts like plate tectonics, subduction zones, and glacial floods without overwhelming the reader. Williams enhances the story with fascinating asides, such as the massive undersea tube worms thriving near volcanic vents and the Willamette meteorite, the largest ever found in the United States.

While the book’s scope is impressive, its 2002 publication means it lacks updates on geological research from the past two decades—a minor drawback for those seeking the latest insights. Still, its core content remains relevant and timeless, offering a solid foundation for understanding the Northwest’s restless nature. Readers with a deep interest in geology might find it a bit basic, but for the general public, especially those living in or visiting the region, it’s a perfect companion.

[Pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading about plate tectonics leading to earthquakes and volcanoes, then you will enjoy this book. It gives you fascinating facts about the plates moving towards the coast of Pacific Ocean, focusing on NW. This subject has been favorite of mine for additional information.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to geology as a whole and the Pacific Northwest geology in particular. Well written, as easy to follow as such a complicated story permits. Opens the door to learning to read the story of the turbulent past that's written in the rocks we pass every day.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

For nerds only, but a very readable primer on how plate tectonics and glaciation shaped the Northwest and the forces behind the earthquakes and volcanos of the modern region.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

geology is kind of boring