Public Land Rockhounding Regulations in Oregon

Bureau of Land Management Rockhounding Regulations

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) defines rockhounding as collecting reasonable amounts of mineral specimens, rocks, semi-precious gems, petrified wood, and invertebrate fossils.

Invertebrate fossils refer to the remains of creatures without bones, such as corals and shellfish, as well as common plant fossils.

Generally, public lands are open to rockhounding, except in areas like National Monuments. Always verify whether the land where you plan to collect rocks, minerals, or fossils is managed by the BLM, as jurisdictional boundaries may not be clearly marked.

In Oregon and Washington, BLM regulations allow a no-fee daily limit for personal-use collection of 25 pounds plus one piece. The yearly limit is 250 pounds, which includes minerals, semi-precious gemstones, common invertebrate fossils, petrified wood, and other rocks.

Only hand tools, such as shovels, picks, and hammers, are allowed for collection. Metal detectors may also be used. However, using motorized or mechanized equipment, heavy machinery, and explosives is strictly prohibited.

Groups of individuals cannot combine their yearly allowances to collect a single item that exceeds 250 pounds. For pieces larger than this limit, you must contact your local BLM office for approval.

Rockhounding is prohibited at developed recreational sites unless explicitly designated as rockhounding areas.

In Wilderness Areas, rockhounding is limited to surface collection only. It is also essential to respect laws that protect cultural and historical artifacts. Items such as Native American artifacts (e.g., arrowheads, pottery fragments, or burial remains) and vertebrate fossils (e.g., fish, mammals, or dinosaurs) cannot be collected.

Before visiting a site, check with the BLM for up-to-date regulations, specific locations, and any potential mining claims to ensure compliance.

U.S. National Forest Rock Rockhounding

The U.S. Forest Service permits recreational rockhounding on most National Forest lands.

The U.S. Forest Service limits specimen collection to 10 pounds. Some National Forest lands are closed to collecting due to wilderness designation. Contact the U.S. Forest Service for up-to-date information on specific areas.

Vertebrate fossils, such as animal, dinosaur, and fish bones, cannot be collected. Archaeological items, such as pottery fragments, arrowheads, and other artifacts, are also prohibited from being collected.

Wilderness Areas Rockhounding

Rockhounding on federally managed lands is a popular hobby, but the rules for land designated as a Wilderness Area are often stricter and may differ significantly from general federal land rules.

Knowing which agency manages the land — and whether it is a designated Wilderness Area — is important for protecting nature and avoiding fines.

BLM

Generally, BLM-managed wilderness areas allow hand collection of surface materials without motorized tools for personal, non-commercial use.

You should not disturb the ground. Some places may have extra restrictions. It is best to contact the local BLM office before visiting.

U.S. Forest Service

Wilderness areas within National Forests often have stricter rules. Some forests allow limited surface rock collecting, but many prohibit it to protect natural conditions and sensitive habitats.

Rules can vary between forests and even between different wilderness areas in the same forest.

Always check with the local ranger district before collecting.

National Park Service (NPS)

The National Park Service manages wilderness areas within national parks. In most cases, collecting rocks, minerals, or fossils is not allowed. These areas focus on preserving natural and cultural resources, and the removal of natural materials is prohibited.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages wilderness areas inside wildlife refuges. These areas have strict protection rules, and collecting rocks or minerals is usually prohibited to protect wildlife and habitat.

Oregon Coast Rockhounding Regulations

A particular part of the beach might be part of the Oregon State Park. In this case, follow the regulations For Oregon State Parks. However, there are some general rules for collecting materials on the Oregon Coast beaches.

You can remove no more than one gallon of agates and other non-living items such as shells, stones, and fossils per person per day, up to three gallons per person per calendar year.

Rule 736-021-0090, Cultural, Historic, Natural and Wildlife Resources

Oregon State Parks Rockhounding Regulations

Oregon State Parks allow rockhounding of small amounts of rocks, minerals, and fossils for personal collection. However, digging or otherwise disturbing park property is strictly prohibited.

At some state park locations, larger collections may be allowed upon approval of the park manager. Collecting on the ocean shore is also allowed but with specific limits

Rule 736-010-0055, Park Resources

Generally, County Parks in Oregon prohibit rockhounding.

Here is one example of Marion County's regulations. According to a program coordinator of the county parks, mineral collecting falls under the provision 12.05.220 "Damaging park property which states D. Cut or remove any sand, wood, turf, grass, gravel, stone or timber in or from any park, or make any excavation by any tool, equipment, blasting or by any other means in any park".

Contact offices of the County Parks for up-to-date information.

Abandoned mines are extremely dangerous and must be avoided. Open shafts, deteriorated support structures, rotten timber, lack of oxygen, and various poisonous gases can result in injury or death.

Collecting material remains of prehistoric or historic human life or activities, such as arrowheads or pottery pieces, is prohibited. Vertebrate fossils (e.g., dinosaur bones, fish, and other animals with backbones) and shark teeth may not be collected.