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.

Here, you can collect beautifully polished stones shaped by nature over thousands of years.

Rockhounding at Harney Lake is one of Oregon's easiest and most rewarding experiences. All you have to do is walk the gravel piles and pick up agate, jasper, petrified wood, freshwater fossils, and unique oolitic agate with no tools. However, a geology pick helps to extract partially buried materials.

Over the centuries, water has naturally tumbled many of the rocks in this area. Some pieces are already naturally polished to a smooth finish.

Harney Lake Rockhounding

Harney Lake is one of Oregon's best-kept secrets for rock collecting. The area is known for:

• Agate & Jasper – Found in shades of red, brown, black, and gray.
• Petrified Wood – Often appearing in dark, fossilized chunks.
• Oolitic Agate – A rare type of agate filled with tiny bubble-like formations resembling fish eggs.

The first rockhounding spot is about two miles from Highway 205. After crossing a cattle guard, continue past a dirt road on the right and stop at the second one. The gravel mounds on the right offer a great starting point for searching. Many specimens can be found on the surface. The second site is about 0.6 miles farther on the left. Park at a pullout and explore the gravel piles and hillside. Oolitic agate can be found at the base of the hill. But if you're up for a short but steep hike, this site is the spot for larger oolitic agate. As a bonus, the view from the top is breathtaking and worth the climb.

Know Before You Go Harney Lake is a remote high desert area, so preparation is key:

• Weather Extremes: Hot summers, cold winters, and little shade.
• No Services Nearby: Bring plenty of water, food, and fuel.
• Vehicle Access: A regular vehicle is fine for Site 1, but 4WD is highly recommended for Site 2. Alternatively, you can leave your car behind and hike in.
• Wildlife: The high desert is full of wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes throughout the entire basin, and respect the eagle nests near Site 2.
• Safety Preparations: Familiarize yourself with desert safety practices.

Best time: Spring through fall
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Rocks & Minerals: Agate, jasper, petrified wood, oolitic agate
Tools: None needed, but a geology pick can help at Site 2
Amenities: None
Activities: Rockhounding and wildlife watching

Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: Gravel roads; 4WD recommended for Site 2
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,000 ft (1,220 m)

Harney Lake is located:

• 25 miles south of Burns
• 130 miles southwest of Boise
• 250 miles east of Bend.