Bear Island — Rockhounding in Montgomery County, Maryland

Bear Island is a mapped rockhounding spot in Montgomery County, Maryland. Reported finds include apatite, epidote, amphibolite, sphene, zircon. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Bear Island in Montgomery County, Maryland

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath
Postcode
22102

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Found at Bear Island

Each chip links to all spots in the U.S. that produce that material.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bear Island.

Bear Island FAQ

Where is Bear Island?+
Bear Island is in Montgomery County, Maryland, at 38.97403, -77.20274. Nearest road: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Bear Island?+
Bear Island is reported to produce Apatite, Epidote, Amphibolite, Sphene, Zircon.
Is collecting allowed at Bear Island?+
Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
How do I get to Bear Island?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 38.97403, -77.20274 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.

More rockhounding in Maryland

See all 38 Maryland spots →

Open Bear Island on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play