Wolf Creek: Pyrolusite & Rhodonite Rockhounding in Nevada County, California

Updated June 2026

Wolf Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Nevada County, California. Reported finds include pyrolusite, rhodonite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Nevada County
State: California
Nearest road: Linhall Road
Coordinates: 39.07477, -121.09793

Geology at Wolf Creek

This spot sits on Ultramafic rocks, chiefly Mesozoic, unit 2 (Western Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains), mapped as peridotite and serpentinite that formed roughly 1000 to 175 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 2 (Western Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains)
Age: 1000–175 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Early Jurassic)
Rock types: peridotite and serpentinite
Elevation: 1,360 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 Wolf Creek

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 96°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 40°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, COLFAX station (8 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 Wolf 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 Wolf Creek.

Across the state line from Wolf Creek

Wolf 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.

Wolf Creek FAQ

Where is Wolf Creek?+

Wolf Creek is in Nevada County, California, at 39.07477, -121.09793. Nearest road: Linhall Road.

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

Wolf Creek is reported to produce Pyrolusite, Rhodonite.

Is collecting allowed at Wolf 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 Wolf 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.

When is the best time to visit Wolf Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Wolf Creek are September to June. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Wolf Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.07477, -121.09793 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Linhall Road.

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