Oregon RockHounding Map

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Getting Started

Rocks & Minerals In Oregon

Oregon rockhounding maps to hunt for crystals, gemstones, minerals, and ores. Rockhounding in Oregon offers enthusiasts a chance to discover a diverse range of gemstones, minerals, and fossils. The state's rich geological history is reflected in its abundant rockhounding sites, from the Oregon coast to the high desert. Popular finds include thundereggs, sunstones, agates, and petrified wood.

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Please always bring appropriate attire and do research before venturing out to rock hunt and crystal hunt. Also, be sure to verify that the location you want to hunt at is available for public access. Rockhounding.org does our best to verify, but it is your responsibility to verify as well because sometimes things change. We are not liable for any actions you take from the information you find on this site.

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Snacks & Hydration

Bars

Energy Bars

Stay energized with the best energy bars for your rockhounding adventures.

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Electrolytes

Electrolytes

Replenish your electrolytes with these essential hydration solutions.

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Other Snacks

Other Snacks

Keep your energy up with a variety of snacks perfect for rockhounding.

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Must Have Rockhounding Tools

Rock Picks

Rock Picks

Find the best rock picks for all your gem hunting adventures.

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Gloves

Gloves

Protect your hands with the best gloves for gem hunting.

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Bags

Bags

Carry your finds with ease using the best bags for gem hunting.

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Chisels

Chisels

Discover the best chisels for extracting gems and minerals.

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Keeping accurate records of Rockhounding & Gemstone Hunting Locations is a community effort! Know of a good spot that is missing from our maps? Feel free to submit it below. Thank you for your contributions to the rockhounding community!

Geology of Oregon

Oregon's diverse geology is the result of millions of years of geological processes, including volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and erosion. The state's geologic history can be traced back more than 200 million years ago to the Mesozoic Era when the western margin of North America began to interact with the Pacific Oceanic Plate.

During the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, subduction of the oceanic plate under the North American continent led to the formation of volcanic island arcs and the accretion of marine sedimentary rocks. The ancestral Klamath and Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon are remnants of these ancient island arcs.

In the late Cretaceous and early Tertiary periods, Oregon experienced extensive volcanic activity. The Cascade Range, a volcanic arc extending from northern California to British Columbia, began to form during this time. Oregon's iconic Crater Lake is an example of a volcanic caldera formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago.

Over millions of years, erosion and sedimentation shaped Oregon's landscape further. The formation of the Columbia River Basalt Group, one of the largest flood basalt provinces in the world, occurred between 17 and 6 million years ago. These extensive lava flows covered parts of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and are responsible for the region's distinctive basalt cliffs and plateaus.

In the Pleistocene Epoch, starting around 2.6 million years ago, glacial activity played a significant role in shaping the state's topography. Glaciers carved out valleys and deposited sediments, while the periodic flooding of glacial Lake Missoula led to the formation of the Columbia River Gorge. Oregon's geology continues to evolve today, with ongoing volcanic activity and tectonic movements shaping its landscape and providing valuable resources for rockhounds and geologists alike.