Diamond Creek: Native Copper Rockhounding in Del Norte County, California

Updated June 2026

Diamond Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Del Norte County, California. Reported finds include native copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Del Norte County
State: California
Nearest road: Forest Road 18N09
Coordinates: 41.95580, -123.93523

Geology at Diamond Creek

This spot sits on Ultramafic rocks, chiefly Mesozoic, unit 3 (Coast Ranges and Western Klamath Mountains), mapped as serpentinite that formed roughly 175 to 145 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Ultramafic rocks, chiefly Mesozoic, unit 3 (Coast Ranges and Western Klamath Mountains)
Age: 175–145 Ma (Middle Jurassic to Late Jurassic)
Rock types: serpentinite
Elevation: 1,010 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

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.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM California — Recreational mineral collecting
California Geological Survey
CDFW — Suction Dredge Mining Permit Program
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Diamond Creek

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Native Copper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Diamond Creek.

Across the state line from Diamond Creek

Diamond Creek is close enough to the California border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Diamond Creek FAQ

Where is Diamond Creek?+

Diamond Creek is in Del Norte County, California, at 41.95580, -123.93523. Nearest road: Forest Road 18N09.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Diamond Creek?+

Diamond Creek is reported to produce Native Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Diamond Creek?+

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.

What tools should I bring to Diamond Creek?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

How do I get to Diamond Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.95580, -123.93523 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Forest Road 18N09.

More rockhounding in California

See all 97 California spots →

Open Diamond Creek on the map

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