Jade forms under high pressure at subduction zones and is typically found around mountains or rivers, but Big Sur is the only known undersea source of quality nephrite—one of two types of jade

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Woodburn Falls (OregonHikers.org) Pretty 20-foot Woodburn Falls is an officially-named yet little known waterfall in Lacamas Regional Park. It is seasonal, becoming a waterfall around October rains and completely drying up by the end of June or early July. Despite its being seasonal, it is the only waterfall in Lacamas Lake Park that is not controlled by a dam, making the water flow 100% natural.

Coastal Job: Jade Carver (hakaimagazine.com) Justin Barrett is part of a community of divers who hunt for underwater jade in Big Sur, California. At his workshop in nearby Pacific Grove, he carves his finds into sculptures and jewelry that weave together elements of the natural world.