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.

Delintment Lake

Delintment Lake in Oregon: The picture "Delintment Lake in Oregon child holding fossil" features a child’s outstretched hand presenting a ridged, gray fossil against a gravel surface, with the child’s clothing and tools for rockhounding partially visible.Mud Ridge, located near Hines, yields primarily black obsidian, with green, greenish-blue, snowflake, and occasionally rare red pieces mixed in.

Delintment Lake Rockhounding: Where to Find Ammonite Fossils

Mud Ridge

Mud Ridge at Burns - Oregon's Volcanic Glass: The picture "Mud Ridge at Burns obsidian and volcanic glass pieces on ground" displays several shiny fragments of obsidian and volcanic glass scattered among rocks and dry grasses on the dusty ground.Mud Ridge, located near Hines, yields primarily black obsidian, with green, greenish-blue, snowflake, and occasionally rare red pieces mixed in.

Mud Ridge - The Spot For Green and Red Volcanic Obsidian!

Harney Lake

Harney Lake (at Harney Basin) - Find Rare Oolitic Agates: Close-up of two oolitic agate specimens with a rough, porous texture and various shades of brown and white, displayed on a gray surface. OregonDiscovery.com

Harney Lake, located in Oregon's Harney Basin, is a remote high desert area about 25 miles south of Burns. Once part of a massive prehistoric lake system, this unique landscape is now a dry, mineral-rich basin.

This area is perfect for collecting oolitic agate, agate, jasper, and petrified wood.

Harney Lake - Rare Oolitic Agate Deposit



North Beede Reservoir

North Beede Reservoir Rocks

The area north of the North Beede Reservoir is an excellent location to collect various minerals, such as agate, jasper, and petrified wood.

North Beede Reservoir: Rockhounding Adventures

Warm Springs Reservoir

Warm Springs Reservoir Plume Agate

The area is rich in fascinating geological treasures waiting to be discovered. Various materials, ranging in size, are scattered across the surface, making it easy to start collecting.

In addition to excellent rockhounding opportunities, the reservoir offers breathtaking scenery and a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.

Warm Springs Reservoir Rockhounding: Explore, Discover, Collect

Stinkingwater Petrified Wood

Stinkingwater Petrified Wood – Clear Creek Rockhounding in Eastern Oregon: The picture "Stinkingwater Petrified Wood – Clear Creek hand holding petrified wood" features a close-up of a person's hand holding a piece of brown and tan petrified wood, with a blurred sandy background.The Stinkingwater area is known for yellow and cream-colored petrified “golden oak.” Many pieces also show shades of red, brown, gray, and black, often with strong contrast between growth rings and clear wood grain.

Stinkingwater Petrified Wood – Clear Creek Rockhounding in Eastern Oregon



Pike Creek Canyon

Pike Creek Hiking

Pike Creek Canyon is a scenic site on the eastern side of Steens Mountain. The site provides opportunities for hiking, rockhounding, and camping.

Pike Creek Canyon - Hiking & Rockhounding at Steens Mountain



Oregon Rockhounding Map

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.

You May Also Like




Marli B. Miller. Roadside Geology of Oregon. 2014. Mountain Press Publishing Company Missoula, Montana.
Lars Johnson. Rockhounding Oregon: A Guide to the State's Best Rockhounding Sites (Rockhounding Series). 2014. A Falcon Guide.
Dan R. Lynch, Bob Lynch. Rocks & Minerals of Washington and Oregon: A Field Guide to the Evergreen and Beaver States (Rocks & Minerals Identification Guides). 2012.

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