Trinity River Gravels: Diamond & Platinum Nuggets Rockhounding in Trinity County, California

Updated June 2026

Trinity River Gravels is a mapped rockhounding spot in Trinity County, California. Reported finds include diamond, platinum nuggets. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Trinity County
State: California
Nearest road: CA 299
Postcode: 96048
Coordinates: 40.73383, -123.05536

Geology at Trinity River Gravels

This spot sits on Schist of various types and ages, unit 7 (Klamath Mountains), mapped as amphibolite and schist that formed roughly 420 to 360 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Schist of various types and ages, unit 7 (Klamath Mountains)
Age: 420–360 Ma (Devonian)
Rock types: amphibolite and schist
Elevation: 1,460 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 Trinity River Gravels

Best months: October to June. Typical highs run 97°F in midsummer and 52°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°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, WEAVERVILLE station (6 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 Trinity River Gravels

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 Trinity River Gravels.

Trinity River Gravels FAQ

Where is Trinity River Gravels?+

Trinity River Gravels is in Trinity County, California, at 40.73383, -123.05536. Nearest road: CA 299.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Trinity River Gravels?+

Trinity River Gravels is reported to produce Diamond, Platinum Nuggets.

Is collecting allowed at Trinity River Gravels?+

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 Trinity River Gravels?+

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 Trinity River Gravels?+

The most comfortable months at Trinity River Gravels are October 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 Trinity River Gravels?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.73383, -123.05536 in Google Maps. The nearest road is CA 299.

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Open Trinity River Gravels on the map

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