North Fork and South Fork of the Umpqua River
Minerals may be found on the river gravel beds along the banks of the North and South Forks of the Umpqua River. There are small pullouts at North Fork Umpqua River along Highway OR 138 from the town of Glide, but a river access can be steep and slippery.
For the South Fork of the Umpqua River, take Tiller Trail Highway, running east of Canyonville. Find pullouts with the riverbank access. Check the river gravel beds near I-5 under the bridge in the town of Myrtle Creek.
Rocks & Minerals: Agate, jasper, quartz, carnelian, petrified wood
Locations : North Fork Umpqua River - Swiftwater Park; South Fork Umpqua River - Myrtle Creek, Bridge at Days Creek , Bridge at Tiller Trail Highway, Rest Area.
Days Creek Bridge - South Umpqua River
This site is a perfect roadside swimming hole and a great gravel bed to search quartz, agate, jasper, pyrite, and schist.
Nickel Mountain Mine - Riddle Rockhounding
Nickel Mountain Mine tailing is the only site to find garnierite and chrysoprase.
Gold Prospecting - Lower Cow Creek
Lower Cow Creek is known among recreational gold prospectors and rockhounders.
The beach and the creek bottom are composed of gravel and rocks of various sizes and colors.
White quartz and jasper are scattered throughout the gravels of the river.
Collecting of small amounts of rocks and minerals for personal use is allowed.
Gravels contain quartz, agate, jasper, and petrified wood that wash down from its tributaries in the Coast Range.
Gravel bars of the river are great locations to search quartz, agate, and jasper.
The beach is a highly productive site. Besides agates, brecciated jaspers, quartz, petrified wood, sea glass, and nephrite jade can be found.