Harney County is a renowned destination for rock and mineral collectors, offering a variety of sites that showcase the region’s geological richness. Most of these sites are on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, some privately owned mines allow public access for a fee. This includes two notable opal mines across the Oregon-Nevada border, approximately 60 miles from Fields.

Rockhounding Sites in Harney County

Below is a list of popular sites available for recreational rockhounding. However, before visiting and collecting rocks, contacting the local government agency is important to ensure you have the most current information on access and regulations.

Stinkingwater Creek - near Juntura

Rocks & Minerals: Petrified Wood, Agate, Jasper, Leaf and Fish Fossils
Tools: Rock hammers, picks, and shovels
County: Harney
Managed: Private with the public access
Road Access: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended

From Burns and Juntura the site is accessed by Highway 20. Between mileposts 167 and 168, turn south onto the gravel Stinkingwater Creek Road and follow 6.3 miles to a dirt road heading west. Turn right onto the dirt road and drive 1 mile, then turn left and go next 0.4 miles to the Clear Creek near the base of the hill.

The petrified forest of the Stinkingwater Creek Basin provides opportunities to collect gorgeous petrified and fossilized wood materials, mostly from oak trees. Also, agate including plume, jasper, leaf and fish fossils can be found.

Royal Peacock Opal Mine - Virgin Valley, Sheldon National Antelope Refuge, Nevada

Rocks & Minerals: Opal
Tools: Sharp pointed pick, shovel
Managed: Private mine is open to the public for fees
Road Access: Maintained gravel road. Seasonal road closure.
GPS: 41.4711, -119.559
Address: 10 Virgin Valley Rd., Denio, NV 89404
Phone: 775-941-0374
Email: autumn@royalpeacock.com

Royal Peacock Opal Mine offers fee digging from mid-May to mid-October, Friday through Monday.

Kokopelli Opals Mine - Virgin Valley, Sheldon National Antelope Refuge, Nevada

Rocks & Minerals: Opal
Tools: Sharp pointed pick, shovel
Managed: Private mine is open to the public for fees
Road Access: Maintained gravel road. Seasonal road closure.
GPS: 41.8302, -119.072
Phone: 530-533-3359
Email: kokopelliopals@yahoo.com

Kokopelli Opals Mine offers fee digging from mid-May to mid-October, Friday through Monday.

DISCLAIMER

The Oregon Rockhounding Map provides information about some of the many rockhounding sites of the state of Oregon. Information is subject to change at any time, and the Oregon Discovery team cannot guarantee that is either current or correct. Be aware that there are some mine claims and private lands near the public collecting areas. Determining the land status and minerals' collection rules at the site is your responsibility.

Currently, this map is incomplete but new rockhounding sites and related details will be added in the future.