Area around Goose Lake: Agate & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Modoc County, California

Updated June 2026

Area around Goose Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Modoc County, California. Reported finds include agate, chalcedony, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Modoc County
State: California
Coordinates: 41.95077, -120.42536

Geology at Area around Goose Lake

This spot sits on ground mapped as water. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: water
Elevation: 4,700 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 Area around Goose Lake

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FT BIDWELL station (15 mi away).

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 Area around Goose Lake

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 Area around Goose Lake.

Across the state line from Area around Goose Lake

Area around Goose Lake 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.

Area around Goose Lake FAQ

Where is Area around Goose Lake?+

Area around Goose Lake is in Modoc County, California, at 41.95077, -120.42536.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Area around Goose Lake?+

Area around Goose Lake is reported to produce Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Area around Goose Lake?+

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 Area around Goose Lake?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Area around Goose Lake?+

The most comfortable months at Area around Goose Lake are March to November.

How do I get to Area around Goose Lake?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.95077, -120.42536 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in California

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Open Area around Goose Lake on the map

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