Eel River Gravels: Jadeite & Nephrite Rockhounding in Mendocino County, California

Updated June 2026

Eel River Gravels is a mapped rockhounding spot in Mendocino County, California. Reported finds include jadeite, nephrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Mendocino County
State: California
Nearest road: Dos Rios Road
Postcode: 95429
Coordinates: 39.71395, -123.35262

Geology at Eel River Gravels

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: 880 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 Eel River Gravels

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 54°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, COVELO station (9 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 Eel River Gravels

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 Eel River Gravels.

Eel River Gravels FAQ

Where is Eel River Gravels?+

Eel River Gravels is in Mendocino County, California, at 39.71395, -123.35262. Nearest road: Dos Rios Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Eel River Gravels?+

Eel River Gravels is reported to produce Jadeite, Nephrite.

Is collecting allowed at Eel River Gravels?+

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 Eel River Gravels?+

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 Eel River Gravels?+

The most comfortable months at Eel River Gravels are September to June.

How do I get to Eel River Gravels?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.71395, -123.35262 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Dos Rios Road.

More rockhounding in California

See all 97 California spots →

Open Eel River Gravels on the map

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