Fossil Finds

Most of the fossils below were found at The Fossil Bowl Dig Site, Clarkia, Idaho off of Hwy 3. The Clarkia Miocene Site is considered by many to be the richest fossil site in the world. At one time in the past a lake covered this region. The fossils found here provide evidence that the Clarkia Miocene Lake region of North Central Idaho used to have a warm southern climate much like the Everglades, a much different climate than the dry climate this region of Idaho currently experiences with its hot summers and cold winters.

This fossil site is located about 70 miles northwest of Lewiston, ID and is open to the public. The fossils are found layered in the lake sediments which were deep enough to lack oxygen. The owners of the property claim that the only other region in the world where similar fossils are found is in China.

Although leaf fossils are the most numerous kinds found here, a number of fish fossils and coprolite (fossilized fish droppings) have also been found. "Coprolite" is a scientific name for the fossilized excrement, feces or droppings of ancient animals. 125 different kinds of leaves, insects, and fish fossils have been found at this site.

	Star-shaped Flower Fossil from Clarkia Fossil Bowl Clarkia, Idaho
	Carolina Moonseed Fossil (Cocculus heteromorpha) Clarkia, Idaho
	Fossilized Fish Droppings (Coprolite) Clarkia, Idaho
	Branch Fossil Clarkia, Idaho
	Leaf Fossil Clarkia, Idaho
	Conifer Leaf Clarkia, Idaho
	(rt. side) Avocado, Sweet Bay (Persea pseudocarolinesis) Clarkia, Idaho
	Leaf Fossil Clarkia, Idaho
	Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia occidentalis) Clarkia, Idaho
	Bald Cypress (Taxodium dubium) Clarkia, Idaho
	Fir Needle (Abies chaneyi) & Birch Leaf Clarkia, Idaho
	Plant Fossil Clarkia, Idaho