Hungry Creek: Cassiterite & Copper Rockhounding in Siskiyou County, California

Updated June 2026

Hungry Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Siskiyou County, California. Reported finds include cassiterite, copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Siskiyou County
State: California
Nearest road: Beaver Creek Road
Coordinates: 41.97458, -122.75419

Geology at Hungry Creek

This spot sits on granitic rocks, unit 5 (Klamath Mountains), mapped as diorite that formed roughly 200 to 100 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: granitic rocks, unit 5 (Klamath Mountains)
Age: 200–100 Ma (Jurassic to Early Cretaceous)
Rock types: diorite
Elevation: 3,580 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 Hungry Creek

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ASHLAND station (17 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 Hungry 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 Hungry Creek.

Across the state line from Hungry Creek

Hungry 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.

Hungry Creek FAQ

Where is Hungry Creek?+

Hungry Creek is in Siskiyou County, California, at 41.97458, -122.75419. Nearest road: Beaver Creek Road.

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

Hungry Creek is reported to produce Cassiterite, Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Hungry 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 Hungry Creek?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Hungry Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Hungry Creek are February to November.

How do I get to Hungry Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.97458, -122.75419 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Beaver Creek Road.

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Open Hungry Creek on the map

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