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 and unique oolitic agate with no tools.

Some pieces are already 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.

Here are the main rockhounding spots:

Site 1: The Polished Gravel Piles

This area is perfect for collecting agate, jasper, and petrified wood. You can pick interesting rocks right off the ground. The stones here have been naturally tumbled by the lake, making them smooth and ready for display or polishing.

Site 2: The Oolitic Agate Hill

If you're up for a short but steep hike, this site is the spot for rare oolitic agate. As a bonus, the view from the top is absolutely 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.