Woods Mine: Bementite & Neotocite Rockhounding in Humboldt County, California

Updated June 2026

Woods Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Humboldt County, California. Reported finds include bementite, neotocite, rhodochrosite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Humboldt County
State: California
Nearest road: Dyerville Loop Road
Coordinates: 40.20458, -123.70504

Geology at Woods Mine

This spot sits on Franciscan Complex, unit 1 (Coast Ranges), mapped as sandstone and mudstone that formed roughly 200 to 66 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Franciscan Complex, unit 1 (Coast Ranges)
Age: 200–66 Ma (Jurassic to Cretaceous)
Rock types: sandstone and mudstone
Elevation: 2,840 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.

Best time to visit Woods Mine

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 31°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RICHARDSON GR SP station (13 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Woods Mine

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

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Woods Mine.

Woods Mine FAQ

Where is Woods Mine?+

Woods Mine is in Humboldt County, California, at 40.20458, -123.70504. Nearest road: Dyerville Loop Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Woods Mine?+

Woods Mine is reported to produce Bementite, Neotocite, Rhodochrosite.

Is collecting allowed at Woods Mine?+

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 Woods Mine?+

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.

When is the best time to visit Woods Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Woods Mine are March to November.

How do I get to Woods Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.20458, -123.70504 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Dyerville Loop Road.

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