• Clear Creek is the place to find a unique type of Stinkingwater Petrified Wood
Stinkingwater petrified wood is found in remote areas of Harney County, about 43 miles east of Burns. This region lies within Oregon’s high desert with vast sagebrush flats, scattered juniper trees, and distant mountain views. While the surrounding landscape is rugged and dry, the collecting area near Clear Creek sits beside running water and is shaded by trees.
The name “Stinkingwater” comes from nearby creeks, mountains, and the surrounding basin. Today, the name is best known among rockhounds for the beautifully preserved petrified wood found in this area.
Most of the surrounding land is managed by the BLM, but this collecting spot at Clear Creek is located on private land. At the time of our visit, access and collection were not prohibited. Help keep this spot open by leaving no trash behind.
Reaching this isolated area can be challenging. Many access roads are dirt or gravel, cell service is limited, and weather conditions can change quickly. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required, and travel is not recommended after rain, when roads can become muddy and impassable.
Summer heat and strong winds are common, so this area is best suited for prepared and experienced adventurers. Because of the remoteness, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, navigation tools, and always let someone know your travel plans.
Desert Survival Gear - Top 10 Tips To Prepare For Your Desert Trip
Stinkingwater Petrified Wood Rockhounding
The Clear Creek area of the Stinkingwater region is especially known for yellow and cream-colored petrified “golden oak.” Many pieces also show shades of red, brown, gray, and black, often with strong contrast between growth rings and clear wood grain.
The most prized finds are pieces of bright yellow golden oak. The material is very hard, making it well-suited for cutting and polishing.
Today, petrified wood here is much scarcer than in the past. The area has been collected for decades, and many easy-to-find pieces are already gone. Finding good material now requires patience, careful searching, and time in the field.
You can also find agate and jasper here, especially along the creek.
Some rockhounds also say the BLM filled in several old collection pits years ago, making it harder for new collectors to find productive areas.
Most collecting today is done by surface hunting, as digging is limited. While deeper layers may contain material, the best finds are usually pieces that have weathered out or were exposed by past digging activity.
Slowly walk along the creek bed, hillsides, flats, and dry washes, watching for exposed fragments or disturbed ground where material may be visible.
Stinkingwater Geological History
The petrified “golden oak” found in the Stinkingwater–Clear Creek area dates to the Miocene Epoch, roughly 5–15 million years ago.
This area was highly forested, and its landscape looks very different from today’s high desert. But because of volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash and sediments buried fallen trees. With time, mineral-rich groundwater slowly replaced the wood structure, preserving growth rings and grain.
Then, over millions of years, erosion exposed these petrified remnants, letting us collect them today.
Stinkingwater Area: Camping, Lodging, and Vacation Rentals
This area offers only primitive, dispersed camping, with no amenities. Campers typically set up on small, level spots near Clear Creek—either on the hilltop before the drop or at the bottom near the creek and shade trees.
If you prefer to sleep indoors, both Burns and Hines offer affordable hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
Affordable vacation rentals for short- and long-term stays in Hines
Stinkingwater Rockhounding Site | Facts
Best time: Late spring through fall
Managed by: Private land along the Clear Creek, BLM land approximately 600 feet away
Rocks & Minerals: Petrified wood, agate and jasper
Tools: Rock hammer, geology pick, shovel, pick, gad/chisel, gloves, safety glasses
Activities: Rockhounding, primitive camping, wildlife watching, hiking
Road access: High-clearance 4WD required; do not drive during wet weather
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: ~3,880 ft (1,183 m)
Stinkingwater is located:
- 45 miles northwest of Burns
- 190 miles east of Bend
- 320 miles southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Stinkingwater Petrified Wood Site
- Head east on US‑20 toward Juntura to Stinkingwater Creek Road at milepost 167.5
- Turn right (south) onto Stinkingwater Creek Road, which starts as gravel and later becomes dirt
- Follow this road for approximately 6.4 miles until you reach a dirt road on the left
- Turn left and drive about 1 mile, then bear left
- Continue 0.4 miles downhill to the creek.