Pay-To-Dig Gem Mines in Oregon

One of Oregon's most famous fee-dig operations, Richardson's Rock Ranch has been open for thunder egg hunting since 1968. Dig or rake for Oregon thunder eggs — round rhyolite nodules that when cut reveal stunning agate, jasper, and chalcedony interiors. Also produces obsidian, jasper, and agate nodules. Located in the high desert of Jefferson County near Madras.

A BLM-managed free public collecting area in the high desert of Lake County where you can dig for Oregon sunstones — the state gemstone. Copper-bearing labradorite feldspar occurs in this ancient lava flow and ranges from pale golden yellow to vivid red, green, and bicolor. No fee required on BLM open areas.

BLM-managed free public collecting area famous for some of the finest obsidian in North America. Glass Buttes produces rainbow obsidian, mahogany obsidian, black obsidian, and rare gold sheen obsidian. Native Americans used this obsidian for tools for thousands of years. Collectors may take up to 25 lbs per day.

Dig for Oregon sunstone — a copper-bearing labradorite feldspar and the Oregon state gemstone — in the high desert near Plush. Copper inclusions create schiller in stunning reds, greens, oranges, and bicolor combinations.

Pan for gold along historic Graves Creek in southwest Oregon. This area was part of the original Gold Rush era placer deposits. Modern fee-dig panning with sluices, equipment rental, and gold guaranteed in enriched buckets.

Pan for gold in the same historic Oregon placer grounds that drew thousands during the 1800s gold rush. Keep all gold and gems you find. Equipment provided. Family-friendly with guaranteed gold in starter pans.

Dig for Oregon's state gemstone — labradorite sunstone with copper inclusions — in the remote high desert. Schiller in red, orange, green, and bicolor. Keep everything you find.

Tour a real working gem mine and keep what you find in the high desert of Oregon.

Dig for Oregon sunstones in the high desert. Beautiful colored specimens.