Menu
Here at the Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Idaho. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in Idaho is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks, but also minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Are you looking for the perfect spot to explore and hunt for rocks in Idaho? If so, you’re in luck! Idaho has a variety of rock-hounding locations that are perfect for any rockhound.
Have you ever dreamed of going on a rock-hounding adventure in Idaho? There are quite a few locations to dig for crystals, gems, Petrified Wood, Fossils, Thundereggs, and Agate. With its diverse landscape, Idaho can be a perfect place for you to hunt for rocks!
Be polite wherever you explore. Always pack out what you packed in. Meaning if you stop for a snack while rockhounding at any site, clean up after yourself and pack your trash items back out with you.
Always do your research regarding laws and regulations, and don’t forget to ask for permission to access an area and collect specimens.
This article will discuss the top rockhound locations in Idaho and the different types of rocks and minerals you can collect. Don’t forget to make it to the bottom of the page because we list out the best rock and mineral societies in the state. If you’re serious about collecting rocks then you’ll want to join one of these amazing clubs.
If you’re an active rock collector in Idaho then send us an email about your favorite locations and we will feature you on the site and we might sponsor you as well. That’s right, we will pay you to go dig for rocks and minerals.
The best rockhound locations in Idaho are Owyhee, Adams, and Custer counties. These counties are known for varieties of quartz, Jasper, Agates, and Petrified Wood.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a rock-hounding journey, read on to find out more!
Owyhee County is home to many prime rock-hounding locations that are rich in various minerals and fossils.
Bruneau River and Jarbidge River feature agates, jade, and petrified wood. The Owyhee Mountains are rich in Opal, Quartz crystals, and fossils.
Visitors can find Geodes, Petrified Wood, and Selenite in the Owyhee Desert in southwestern Idaho. If you’re looking for fossils, the area around the Owyhee River is abundant in trilobites.
Adams County is a great rock-hounding location in Idaho. It contains various minerals in its rocky terrain. The best areas to rockhound in Adams County are the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Seven Devils Mountains, and the Snake River.
You can find Agate, Jasper, and Petrified Wood in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The Seven Devils Mountains are home to beautiful minerals, including Quartz and Obsidian. Lastly, the Snake River Canyon is a great place to search for fossils and petrified wood.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit Spring | 42.06345, – 114.67540 | Geodes, Agate |
| Bitch Creek | 43.92962, – 111.17911 | Agate, Jasper |
| Bitch Creek | 43.93751, – 111.17977 | Agate, Jasper |
| Conant Creek | 44.00466, – 111.15049 | Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood |
| Conant Creek | 44.00439 – 111.15352 | Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood |
| Conant Creek | 43.98172, – 111.13558 | Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood |
Custer County, Idaho, is a rockhound’s paradise. With its varied terrain, there are plenty of opportunities to find unique and interesting stones.
The popular places to explore include the Emerald Creek Garnet Area and the Salmon River Breccia Pipes. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area is a world-renowned location for the collection of star garnets.
Mica Mountain in Idaho is a great rockhounding destination and home to various pegmatites containing beryl, quartz, feldspar, topaz, and tourmaline.
It is legal to collect rocks in Idaho as long as you get permission from the landowner. To collect rocks on public lands, you must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management.
Additionally, it is illegal to collect rocks from areas designated as national monuments or parks. Research the area and obtain the necessary permits before collecting rocks in Idaho.
The rarest gem found in Idaho is the Star Garnet. You can find this rare variety of garnets in two places in the world, India and Idaho. Its 6-rayed star pattern is highly sought after by rock and mineral collectors.
Active Dig Sites
Thunderegg – Rabbit Springs, Idaho
Rock and Mineral Societies
Idaho Falls Gem & Mineral Society (IFGMS)
IFGMS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the study of gemstones and minerals. The society also aims to educate the public about geology, mineralogy, and lapidary sciences.
The society offers a variety of activities and events for its members, such as field trips, lectures, workshops, and shows. Membership is open to all interested individuals.
The Magic Valley Gem Club is a local organization that offers rockhounding opportunities to its members. Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, the club meets monthly to discuss rockhounding topics, share stories, and plan field trips.
Members of the club have access to several rockhounding sites in the area, including the Snake River Canyon. The club also holds educational seminars and workshops, such as faceting and cabochon cutting classes. Members can also access the club’s library of books, magazines, and videos on gemology and mineralogy.
Northwest Gold Prospectors Association (NWGPA)
NWGPA is a non-profit organization aiming to facilitate small-scale mining and recreational gold prospecting in Idaho.
Members can take advantage of exclusive access to some of the best gold-bearing areas in the state and the latest gold prospecting equipment and techniques.
The NWGPA also provides educational seminars, field trips, and workshops. This helps its members learn more about the hobby of gold prospecting.
To become a member, you need an individual membership fee of $20 or a family membership fee of $30.
The Idaho Gem Club Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities and resources to its members. The club is an affiliate of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) and the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies (NFMS).
It thus provides members with educational programs, field trips, and rock and mineral shows.
Owyhee Gem & Mineral Society (OGMS)
The Owyhee Gem & Mineral Society is dedicated to appreciating and enjoying rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils. The society organizes regular field trips to explore and collect specimens. It also encourages members of all ages and backgrounds to take part in the “Rock Hound” hobby.
OGMS also hosts an annual Boise, Idaho, show that displays minerals, fossils, and gems from around the world.
Sign up for a FREE newsletter delivering rock, mineral, and gemstone news. Learn how to I.D. and value your rocks. Simply enter your email address below.