• Glass Butte is the largest obsidian deposits in the world
• Recreational collecting area known for its wide variety of obsidian
Glass Butte and Little Glass Butte, located in the Oregon high desert just 57 miles west of Burns and 78 miles east of Bend, are renowned for their impressive diversity of obsidian. These two prominent peaks, approximately half a mile apart, are favorite destinations for rock hounds.
The 6,000-acre area is characterized by volcanic mountains and rolling hills covered in sagebrush. This site has been designated as a recreational rock collecting area and is listed on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map, available for purchase.
Accessible from milepost 77 on US Route 20, Glass Butte boasts some of the largest deposits of high-quality obsidian in the world. Obsidian forms when lava cools rapidly, preventing crystallization and creating a natural volcanic glass. The hills surrounding Glass Butte and Little Glass Butte are rich in this unique material, making them prime locations for collectors.
While most obsidian is black, the Glass Buttes area offers a surprising variety of types, including red fire, mahogany, midnight lace, and sheens of gold, silver, and rainbow. It's no wonder Glass Butte is known as the best place in Oregon—and one of the best in the world—for high-quality obsidian.
No permits are required to collect a reasonable daily amount of minerals for personal use, defined as a trunk load or less than 250 pounds.
The best season for rockhounding in the Glass Buttes area spans from spring to fall. Bring tools such as a shovel, hammer, pick, pry bar, and gad to maximize your collection efforts. Because obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, it is very sharp. Native Americans historically used this material to craft arrowheads, spear points, and cutting tools.
Obsidian is abundant throughout the area and can be collected simply by picking it up, but tools may help extract larger.
The terrain can become muddy during the rainy season, so a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended for access.
Caution: Obsidian is very sharp, and when broken, it can send glass-like splinters flying through the air, posing a serious eye injury risk. It is advisable to wear safety glasses with side protection and protective gloves. Additionally, carrying a tire-fixing kit and/or a spare tire may be wise, as driving over exceptionally sharp pieces of obsidian can damage your tires.
Glass Butte: Camping and Lodging
For those looking to stay overnight, Chickahominy Reservoir offers camping and RV areas, while primitive camping is also available on-site.
If you're looking for more comfortable accommodations, consider lodging in Burns (Hines) which located 58 miles away or in Bend - 78 miles away. Also, affordable vacation rentals are available through VRBO.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Burns
Glass Butte and Little Glass Butte | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Amenities: None
Activities: Rockhounding, hiking, camping
Road access: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,900-6,100 ft (1,494-1,829 m)
Glass Butte is located:
- 57 miles west of Burns
- 78 miles southeast of Bend
- 230 miles southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Direction to Glass Butte
From Bend,
- Travel east on Highway US-20 for about 75 miles
- Turn right(south) onto dirt gravel road at milepost 77
- Continue 2.2 miles to a fork.
From this point, you can begin search for gold sheen, lace, and snowflake obsidians.
GPS: N 43°33.352' W 120°0.214' | 43.5559, -120.0036
For the next site, take route on the left and drive for about one mile to the area producing red, silver sheen, lace and mahogany varieties.
GPS: N 43°32.996' W 119°59.023' | 43.5499, -119.9837
At the next fork, turn right and head south for over one mile, always keeping right to find red and rainbow obsidians.
Disclaimer: Please note that information about public rockhounding sites is subject to change at any time, and the Oregon Discovery team cannot guarantee its accuracy or currency. Be aware that some mining claims and private lands may be adjacent to public collecting areas. It is your responsibility to determine the land status and the rules for mineral collection at each site. Always respect any No Trespassing signs.
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I was just at Glass Butte with a 2 wheel drive vehicle, you need to change high clearance from recommended to required, it only encourages people to try and end up with expensive repair bills to say anything less.