Coffee Creek: Anthophyllite & Serpentine Rockhounding in Trinity County, California

Updated June 2026

Coffee Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Trinity County, California. Reported finds include anthophyllite, serpentine. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Trinity County
State: California
Nearest road: State Route 3
Coordinates: 41.08351, -122.70508

Geology at Coffee Creek

This spot sits on Ultramafic rocks, chiefly Mesozoic, unit 1 (Trinity Ophiolite), mapped as peridotite that formed roughly 485 to 445 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 1 (Trinity Ophiolite)
Age: 485–445 Ma (Ordovician)
Rock types: peridotite
Elevation: 2,500 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 Coffee Creek

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 50°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 30°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CALLAHAN station (19 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 Coffee 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 Coffee Creek.

Across the state line from Coffee Creek

Coffee 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.

Coffee Creek FAQ

Where is Coffee Creek?+

Coffee Creek is in Trinity County, California, at 41.08351, -122.70508. Nearest road: State Route 3.

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

Coffee Creek is reported to produce Anthophyllite, Serpentine.

Is collecting allowed at Coffee 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 Coffee 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 Coffee Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Coffee Creek are September to June.

How do I get to Coffee Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.08351, -122.70508 in Google Maps. The nearest road is State Route 3.

More rockhounding in California

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Open Coffee Creek on the map

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