The Search for Hidden Treasure
May 2021
Could you be a Pebble Puppy?
Amateur Geology – What is it and why is it so great in Central Oregon?
The hobby of amateur geology, or rockhounding, is an exciting pastime for many reasons. The thrill of the hunt for exquisite rocks, petrified wood, gems, fossils and more not only gets you out in nature but it also takes no experience to start. And, as a bonus, it’s great for any age!
Children especially seem naturally drawn to rocks, so it is an easy way to get everyone in your family excited about getting outside for some exercise, making memories together and engaged in science.
So why is amateur geology so great in Central Oregon?
Central Oregon is the Rockhounding capital of the world. Every year, people travel from around the globe, as far away as Japan and New Zealand to find their very own hidden treasure. Here is why they come here, and why you should make a trip of it too!
Central Oregon is known for its wide variety of fossils, minerals, crystals, petrified wood, and thunder eggs (Oregon’s State Rock) filled with sparkling crystals. The reason that these treasures can all be found in such a small geological area is because Oregon has so much volcanic activity. The formation of these special rocks began 40-50 million years ago with the many volcanic eruptions that occurred in the area. After the seismic activity subsided, silica rich ground water filled in the cracks with agate, quartz, jasper and later obsidian. Meanwhile, above ground the volcanic ash also covered trees in the area, creating the petrified wood and limb casts that can now be found.
Can’t you imagine the crunch of a thunder egg under your hammer, the smell of the earth around you, the warm sun on your skin and the trill of excitement as you see what hidden treasures are inside?
Pretty exciting stuff right?! Now Let’s make an adventure of it!
You don’t need a lot of tools to become a rockhound, which is another reason it’s a great hobby, but a few tools that will help are a rock pick, a rock chisel, and a specimen bag or bucket. And of course, the normal outdoor essentials – sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, etc.
Rockhounding Destinations!
Depending on the type of experience you would like, there are a multitude of places you can go to find your very own buried treasure. There are public lands, which are typically free to enter and do your digging. For a more personal experience, there are private lands/stores which are known for their rich deposits and quality of minerals that will charge you for the privilege (but a beautiful discovery is probably worth it!). And, then there are the exciting rockhounding events in the area!
There are three Rockhound Pow-wows in the area that take place annually in late June through September. (Please check event websites for COVID rules and changes)
A final note before you set off in search of treasure; the rockhounding “code of ethics” encourages diggers to only take reasonable amounts of rock for personal collecting.
Public Lands Open For Rockhounding and popular finds:
- Bear Creek – Petrified Wood
- Paulina (Congleton Hollow/Dendrite Butte) – Limb Casts
- Eagle Rock – Agate
- Fischer Canyon – Agate, Jasper & Petrified Wood
- Glass Butte – Obsidian
- Hampton Butte – Petrified Wood
- Maury Mountains – Moss Agate
- North Ochoco Reservoir – Agate & Jasper
- Whistler Springs – Thunder Eggs
- White Fir Springs – Jasper Thunder Eggs
Private Shops Open For Rockhounding:
- Richardson’s Rock Ranch in Madras
- Petersen Rock Garden in Redmond
Rockhounding Pow-wows:
- Prineville Rockhound Pow-Wow, June 17-20, 2021
- Madras Rockhound Pow-Wow, Sept. 11-12, 2021