Best Rockhounding Spots in Oregon
Free rockhounding locations, pay-to-dig mines, permit rules, and community field notes for Oregon
Top Minerals Found in Oregon
- 💎Oregon sunstone (state gemstone)
- 💎Thunder eggs (agate geodes)
- 💎Obsidian
- 💎Jasper
- 💎Agate
- 💎Gold
- 💎Petrified wood
- 💎Opal
Best Regions to Explore
Best Season to Visit
Late spring through fall. Eastern Oregon high desert is best May–October.
Expert Collecting Tips
Oregon has BLM sites in Lake County where visitors can collect sunstones for free. Glass Buttes near Burns is a famous obsidian collecting site on BLM land — free and accessible. Thunder eggs from Priday Ranch are world-famous.
⭐ Oregon Rockhounding Highlight
Oregon is the only state with a feldspar gemstone — the Oregon sunstone, some of which contain distinctive schiller inclusions making them unique among the world's feldspars.
Pay-To-Dig Mines in Oregon
Fee-based mining experiences where you keep what you find.
Richardson's Rock Ranch — Thunder Eggs
Madras, Oregon
💰 $10–$20 per bucket
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.
Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area
Plush, Oregon
💰 Free (BLM land)
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.
Glass Buttes Obsidian Collecting
Burns, Oregon
💰 Free (BLM land)
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.
High Desert Gems Sunstone Mine
Plush, Oregon
💰 $75-$125 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.
Graves Creek Gold Panning
Grants Pass, Oregon
💰 $15-$30 per person
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.
Crater Lake Mining & Panning
Jacksonville, Oregon
💰 $10-$20 per person
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.
Spectrum Sunstone Mine
Plush, Oregon
💰 $75-$125
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.
Free Rockhounding Locations in Oregon
Public and permitted sites where you can hunt for gems and minerals.
Rogue River - Gold Hill
Gold Hill, Oregon
The Rogue River and surrounding tributaries in Josephine County offer great gold panning. Historically rich placer area.
Spectrum Sunstone Mine
Plush, Oregon
Collect Oregon's state gemstone — labradorite sunstones with copper inclusions producing brilliant colors.
Sunstone Butte
Plush, Oregon
Oregon sunstone collecting area on BLM land — free to collect the beautiful labradorite gems.
Dig Permits & Regulations in Oregon
What you need to know before you dig — rules vary by land type.
USDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Region
Casual collecting of rocks and minerals for personal use is allowed in Oregon National Forests. Thundereggs, agates, and jasper are popular finds.
Oregon State Parks
Rock and mineral collecting is prohibited in Oregon State Parks. Fossil collecting is strictly prohibited at John Day Fossil Beds (managed by NPS).
Bureau of Land Management - Oregon
Oregon offers great rockhounding on BLM lands including sunstones, thundereggs, and agates. Personal use collecting is allowed without a permit.
Rockhounding Clubs in Oregon
Connect with local rockhounds and join a club near you.
Willamette Agate & Mineral Society
Eugene, Oregon
South Willamette Valley club focused on Oregon's agate beaches, thunder eggs, and Sunstone collecting in Lake County.
Oregon Agate & Mineral Society
Portland, Oregon
Active club with field trips throughout Oregon — thunder eggs, sunstones, obsidian, agates, and jasper. Annual show each spring.
Rockhounding in Oregon — FAQ
Where can I go rockhounding in Oregon?
Oregon has 3 documented free dig sites and 7 pay-to-dig mines in our database. Use the interactive map to find exact coordinates.
What gems can you find in Oregon?
Common finds in Oregon include Gold, Quartz, Sunstone, Labradorite, Thunder Egg, Agate. Results vary by site and season.
Do you need a permit to rockhound in Oregon?
Many areas in Oregon allow casual collecting without a permit. Always verify with the land management agency before you dig.
What tools do I need for rockhounding in Oregon?
Bring a rock hammer, chisels, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy boots. A field guide and the We Lick Rocks AI rock identifier app are also great to have on hand.