New Meadows: Rhodonite Rockhounding in Adams County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

New Meadows is a mapped rockhounding spot in Adams County, Idaho. Reported finds include rhodonite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Adams County
State: Idaho
Coordinates: 44.92112, -116.31066

Geology at New Meadows

This spot sits on Blue Mountains island arc, biotite (+hornblende) gneiss and biotite schist, mapped as biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss that formed roughly 300 to 145 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Blue Mountains island arc, biotite (+hornblende) gneiss and biotite schist
Age: 300–145 Ma (Permian to Jurassic)
Rock types: biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss
Elevation: 4,240 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 New Meadows

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NEW MEADOWS RS 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

Idaho Panhandle National Forests — Emerald Creek
Idaho Geological Survey
Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at New Meadows

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Rhodonite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of New Meadows.

Across the state line from New Meadows

New Meadows is close enough to the Idaho border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

New Meadows FAQ

Where is New Meadows?+

New Meadows is in Adams County, Idaho, at 44.92112, -116.31066.

What rocks and minerals can you find at New Meadows?+

New Meadows is reported to produce Rhodonite.

Is collecting allowed at New Meadows?+

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 New Meadows?+

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 New Meadows?+

The most comfortable months at New Meadows are April to October.

How do I get to New Meadows?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.92112, -116.31066 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open New Meadows on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.