Malheur & Owyhee Rockhounding Sites – Eastern Oregon & Western Idaho

Eastern Oregon and western Idaho, in Malheur and Owyhee Counties, share a similar geological environment. Ancient lava flows and long periods of erosion have shaped their rugged terrain. These regions feature fossil-rich formations and abundant deposits of collectible materials: chalcedony, jasper, agate, petrified wood, thundereggs, and opals.

Before heading out, rockhounds should research land ownership, collecting limits, and any seasonal restrictions. Many sites are on BLM land, where casual collecting is allowed, but some locations may have private claims or protected areas. Always respect the land, follow ethical collecting practices, and leave no trace to preserve these remarkable geological sites for future generations.

Below is a list of notable rockhounding locations in the region.

Graveyard Point: Oregon-Idaho Border

Graveyard Point is a vast Eastern Oregon area in Owyhee Canyon along the Oregon-Idaho border.

The area is known for excellent plum agates with pink, yellow, and red inclusions. Moss, dendritic, angel wing, and other varieties of agate can also be found here. Beware of private claims.

Unearthing Treasures at Graveyard Point

Succor Creek Canyon

The scenic rocky Succor Creek Canyon is known as a rockhound's paradise. The official state rock of Oregon, thunder eggs, filled with agates and other minerals, can be found in the Succor Creek State Natural Area.

Cross the bridge and search the hillside and gravel deposits along the creek. This deposit is very large, and typically, thunder eggs are averagely sized up to apples.

Succor Creek - Hidden High Desert Oasis

Twin Springs

Twin Springs is one of the great rock collecting sites in a remote part of Southeastern Oregon.

The site offers opportunities to find agate, jasper, petrified wood, chalcedony, calcite, and occasionally geodes.

Exploring Twin Springs Rockhounding Area

Haystack Butte

Haystack Butte Rockhounding site is a remote high desert destination of the Owyhee area, known for its distinctive colorful brecciated jasper. The jasper is prized for its ability to take on a great polish.

Besides jasper, white, or gray mossy agate, petrified wood, chalcedony, and sometimes common opal can be found.

Haystack Butte - Rockhounding in the Owyhee Area

Beulah Reservoir

Beulah Reservoir Fossil sites is a remote destination north of Juntura, known for its well-preserved leaf impressions in fine-grained sedimentary rock.

Some rocks naturally break apart, revealing prehistoric imprints, while others may need careful splitting with a rock hammer and chisel.

Beulah Reservoir Fossil Sites: A Window into the Miocene Era