Dry Creek Rockhounding Site lies in the volcanic uplands of the Fremont National Forest, about 24 miles southwest of Lakeview. At 5,600 feet, the air feels crisp and dry most of the year.
The name fits — many streambeds here stay dry for months. Roads are usually smooth from late spring through mid-fall so that most vehicles can reach the site in dry weather.
This quiet ridge formed from weathered basalt, andesite, and volcanic tuff. As the rock breaks down, it exposes silica-rich layers, making bright surface pieces easy to spot. The colors really pop after a light rain.
Dry Creek Rockhounding
Dry Creek yields red and tan jasper, black quartz, agate, and common opal. Most jasper is light red with yellow-brown tones, though darker red chunks appear near roadcuts.
I once picked up ten palm-sized pieces in under 20 minutes — easy win. Jasper runs from brick red to tan; it's sometimes porous, so choose carefully when cutting or tumbling.
Black quartz is hard and shiny, resembling black agate but behaving more like quartz. Agate shows up as clear to yellowish-red nodules, while common opal, white to milky, is most common at the first site.
Beyond the dark basalt slopes, the soil turns pale and loose with reddish gravel — that’s your cue. Park safely and walk the hill contours, checking wash lines and gullies where erosion reveals fresh material after spring melt or summer storms: a small shovel and a geology pick help free half-buried pieces.
Keep following the main forest road for new pockets.
Dry Creek Rockhounding Area: Camping, Lodging, and Vacation Rentals
Dispersed camping is allowed on national forest land unless posted otherwise. For services and a hot shower, Goose Lake State Recreation Area sits about 15 miles south of Lakeview. It’s open April through October and offers tent sites, electrical hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you like a quiet forest camp, Drews Creek Campground lies about 12 miles north. It’s seasonal and simple, with shady sites and access to hiking and fishing. In town, Lakeview has affordable hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. I like to stage in Lakeview, fuel up, check fire conditions, and then head out early.
Lodging is available in Lakeview
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Lakeview
Dry Creek Rockhounding Site | Facts
Best time: May through the end of September
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Rocks & Minerals: Red and tan jasper, black quartz, agate, common opal
Tools: Geology pick, shovel
Amenities: None
Activities: Rockhounding, camping, and wildlife observing
Road access: Any vehicle in the dry season
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 5,600 ft (1,700 m)
Dry Creek is located:
- 24 miles southwest of Lakeview
- 250 miles southeast of Bend
- 300 miles south-southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Driving directions to Dry Creek Rockhounding Site
From Lakeview,
- Take Highway OR‑140 and drive 7.3 miles west to Tunnel Hill Road
- Turn left onto Tunnel Hill Road and follow it for about 3 miles
- Continue straight for 4.8 miles as the road becomes County Highway 1‑11
- Turn right onto Horseshoe Meadow Road (County Highway 1‑11) and continue for 2 miles
- The road transitions into Forest Road NF‑4020; follow it for 5.8 miles to Site 1 (Opal/Jasper)
- Continue 1.2 miles to Site 2 (Jasper/Black Quartz)/
GPS (Site 1): N 42°03.140' W 120°36.546' | 42.0523, -120.6091
GPS (Site 2): N 42°02.670' W 120°37.502' | 42.0445, -120.625