Deep Creek: Agate & Opalized Wood Rockhounding in Modoc County, California

Updated June 2026

Deep Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Modoc County, California. Reported finds include agate, opalized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Modoc County
State: California
Nearest road: County Road 25
Postcode: 96104
Coordinates: 41.51727, -120.24895

Geology at Deep Creek

This spot sits on pyroclastic and volcanic mudflow deposits, unit 9 (Cascade Range), mapped as andesite that formed roughly 28 to 2 million years ago. Petrified wood typically comes from volcanic ash beds like the ones associated with this ground, where buried forests were slowly replaced by silica.

Mapped unit: pyroclastic and volcanic mudflow deposits, unit 9 (Cascade Range)
Age: 28–2 Ma (Late Oligocene to Pleistocene)
Rock types: andesite
Elevation: 6,230 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 Deep Creek

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CEDARVILLE station (4 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 Deep Creek

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 Deep Creek.

Across the state line from Deep Creek

Deep 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.

Deep Creek FAQ

Where is Deep Creek?+

Deep Creek is in Modoc County, California, at 41.51727, -120.24895. Nearest road: County Road 25.

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

Deep Creek is reported to produce Agate, Opalized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Deep 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 Deep Creek?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Deep Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Deep Creek are March to November.

How do I get to Deep Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.51727, -120.24895 in Google Maps. The nearest road is County Road 25.

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Open Deep Creek on the map

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