• Fischer Canyon is designated as a public rockhounding area
Designated by Bureau of Land Management as a public rock collecting area, Fischer Canyon is included on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map which is available for purchase.
This beautiful high desert site is located 21 miles north of the small town of Brothers and near the popular rockhounding area Bear Creek.
The site is worth visiting to search for calcite, jasper, agate, quartz, common opal, leaf fossils, and petrified wood.
Most abundant at Fischer Canyon, white calcite fluoresces pink under ultraviolet light. At the time of our visit, we have found large chunks green and red jasper, petrified wood, and many small pieces of calcite.
The 640 acres site can be reached from Highway 27 which connects Highway 26 in Prineville and Highway 20 near Brothers. A short dirt road leads to the cattle guard. Cross the cattle guard and park your car. The material is scattered throughout the hills and at the hill bottoms. Also, check out dry washes along the road on the both sides of the parking area.
The last a half of miles of the road is rough and muddy when wet, 4WD with high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Please keep this place clean, pack out all your trash.
Fischer Canyon | Facts
Open: Best time: May-October
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Rocks & Minerals: Calcite, jasper, agate, quartz, common opal, leaf fossils, and petrified wood
Tools: Geology pick
Activities: Rockhounding, hiking
Accommodations: Camping is allowed in the Ochoco National Forest; Lodging in Prineville and Bend
Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 3,500 ft (1,067 m)
Fischer Canyon is located:
- 31 miles south of Prineville
- 37 miles east of Bend
- 167 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Fischer Canyon
From Prineville,
- Travel 31 miles south on Highway 27 (Main Street)
- Turn left on a dirt road, just 0.15 miles after Salt Creek Road
- Drive 0.5 miles to the base of hills.