Rock Formations at Succor Creek State Natural Area, Oregon, Photo Courtesy: istock.com/zrfphoto
Geologic Adventures
Dig and discover hidden wonders in Oregon and Idaho
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At Petersen Rock Garden in Redmond, Oregon, Danish immigrant Rasmus Christian Petersen used thousands of high-desert rocks in the 1930s to create small-scale replicas of iconic buildings. Today, this National Register of Historic Places still contains reproductions of the Taj Mahal, Statue of Liberty and castles along rock-lined paths—where resident peacocks roam. A must-see for rock lovers, the garden has captivated visitors of all ages for decades and has recently experienced a rebirth under new ownership.
For those seeking their own rockhounding adventures, the dramatic volcanic history of Oregon and Idaho sets the stage for opportunities to find agates, thundereggs, obsidian, opal or the state gems of sunstones (Oregon) and star garnets (Idaho). So pack a rock pick, shovel, sieve and a good map, and explore these six spots in summer and early fall to uncover earth’s hidden treasures. Find out more at rockhounding.org.
Southeast Oregon
Owyhee Canyonlands
Head into Juniper Gulch or Succor Creek Canyon to dig and surface hunt for picture jasper, thundereggs, agate, quartz, petrified wood and even fossils among the desert crags and creek beds of what is mostly state-owned or BLM land.
Central Oregon
White Fir Springs
Unearth thundereggs streaked with yellow, beige, brown, red and purple jasper at this USFS area in the Ochoco National Forest. Plan for a high-clearance vehicle to reach the site located near Prineville.
Southern Oregon
Plush
Dig for the sunstone, Oregon’s state gem, at the free BLM Sunstone Public Collection Area, then explore Flook Lake, DeGarmo Canyon and the Warner Mountains for agate, fire opal, obsidian and jasper.
Idaho Panhandle
Emerald Creek
Uncover Idaho’s rare star garnet—along with almandine garnet, quartz and opal—at the USFS Emerald Creek Garnet Area from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Purchase tickets in advance at recreation.gov.
Southern Idaho
Antelope Creek
Discover geodes filled with quartz crystals, calcite formations and other mineral specimens at the “Geode Beds,” located 15 miles south of Spencer. Find more along the creek and surrounding hillsides of this area managed by BLM.
Eastern Idaho
Spencer Opal Mines
Reserve a spot on the Mine/Experience Tour at this privately-owned mine, the only source of precious pink opal in the world. Dig to unearth varieties of opal and opalized wood, and learn the science of opal creation.
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