Here is a list of ten rockhounding trips in Washington State, each targeting a specific type of valuable rock or mineral. Note that some locations may require permits or permission from landowners, so make sure to research and respect the rules before visiting each site.
Trip 1: Liberty, Washington - Gold
Visit the historic gold-mining town of Liberty, where you can still find gold flakes and nuggets in the area's creeks and rivers. The nearby Williams Creek and Swauk Creek are popular spots for panning and sluicing.
Trip 2: Walker Valley, Mount Vernon - Geodes
Head to the Walker Valley Geode Site in Mount Vernon, where you can search for geodes containing beautiful quartz crystals. Bring a rock hammer and safety goggles for cracking open your finds.
Trip 3: Red Top Mountain, Cle Elum - Agates & Jasper
Explore the Red Top Mountain area near Cle Elum, known for its scenic vistas and an abundance of agates and jasper. These colorful and patterned stones can be found in creek beds and along trails.
Trip 4: Hansen Creek, Snoqualmie Pass - Quartz Crystals
Visit the Hansen Creek area at Snoqualmie Pass, where you can find stunning quartz crystals, including smoky, amethyst, and clear varieties. Remember to bring digging tools and a screen for sifting through the material.
Trip 5: Blanchard Hill, Bellingham - Blue Schist
Journey to Blanchard Hill near Bellingham to find blue schist, a unique metamorphic rock with a striking blue hue. It is commonly used for lapidary work and jewelry making. The area offers several collecting sites in creeks and outcrops.
Trip 6: First Beach, La Push - Beach Agates
Explore First Beach in La Push, where you can find beautiful beach agates among the driftwood and sand. Look for these semi-precious stones during low tide when they are more likely to be exposed.
Trip 7: Little Naches River, Yakima County - Ellensburg Blue Agate
Visit the Little Naches River area in Yakima County, which is known for the rare and highly sought-after Ellensburg Blue Agate. Search for these prized stones along riverbanks and in gravel beds.
Trip 8: Racehorse Creek, Bellingham - Fossils
Head to Racehorse Creek near Bellingham to find a variety of marine fossils, including ammonites, clams, and gastropods. These ancient relics can be found in the shale formations along the creek.
Trip 9: Spruce Railroad Trail, Olympic National Park - Jade
Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail in Olympic National Park, where you can search for nephrite jade along the shores of Lake Crescent. This beautiful green stone can be found among the pebbles and boulders near the water.
Trip 10: Stonerose Interpretive Center, Republic - Fossilized Plants & Insects
Visit the Stonerose Interpretive Center in Republic, which offers a designated fossil collection site. Here, you can dig for well-preserved fossilized plants and insects, such as ancient leaves and dragonflies, in the layers of shale.
Happy rockhounding! Remember to follow the "leave no trace" principles and respect local regulations and private property rights while enjoying these fantastic geological adventures.