• Maury Mountain Agate Beds produces beautiful varieties of moss agate
One of the popular destinations of Central Oregon is the Maury Mountain Agate Beds, located 30 miles east of Prineville. This site is one of the eleven recreational rock and mineral collecting areas featured on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map.
The Maury Mountains are a small mountain range within the Ochoco National Forest.
The Maury Mountain Agate Beds are renowned for their moss agate, a rare mineral that contains mossy or fern-like inclusions. The moss agate found here comes in various shades, including red, brown, green, and gold. Other types of agates, such as botryoidal, dendritic, and white plume agates, can also be found.
The parking area is situated at the top of a hill on the northern slope of the Maury Mountains, specifically at the Maury Agate Beds. The main area of interest is the hillside just below the parking lot, which is covered with sagebrush and ponderosa pine.
Although the site has been frequented by rock collectors for many years, float material can still be found on the surface. To find a good piece of agate, it's recommended to spend ample time searching the area.
Digging is another option for uncovering high-quality moss agate. If you come across promising chips of material left by others, continue digging in the existing hole or start a new pit. Be sure to avoid digging around tree roots. The soil contains clay, which tends to stick to materials, especially when wet, so bringing a brush, spray bottle, or bucket of water is advisable.
Maury Mountain Camping, Lodging, & Vacation Rentals
There are four campgrounds in the Maury Mountain area, with Elkhorn Campground being the closest, located just 1.5 miles from the agate beds.
The nearest comfortable accommodation options are available in Prineville, 60 miles away.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Prineville
Maury Mountain Agate Beds | Facts
Open: Best time: May-October
Managed by: US National Forest
Location: Ochoco National Forest
Rocks & Minerals: Moss agate
Tools: Rock hammers, picks, chisel, and shovels
Activities: Rockhounding, camping, hiking, and wildlife observing
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any vehicle, seasonal closure during the winter
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,800 ft (1,463 m)
Maury Agate Beds is located:
- 13 miles southeast of Post
- 39 miles southeast of Prineville
- 187 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Maury Mountain Agate Beds
From Prineville,
- Head southwest on Highway 380 to milepost 33
- Turn right onto Drake Creek Road (Forest Road 16) and drive 4.4 miles to Forest Road 1680
- Turn right onto FR 1680 and drive 1.6 miles to FR 1690, then turn right and continue 0.4 miles to a fork
- Bear right and continue 0.2 miles to the Maury Mountains Parking Area.
Hike downhill for diggings.