Alder Creek: Chrysocolla Rockhounding in Benewah County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Alder Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Benewah County, Idaho. Reported finds include chrysocolla. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Benewah County
State: Idaho
Coordinates: 47.22543, -116.60397

Geology at Alder Creek

This spot sits on Alluvial deposits, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 12,000 years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit: Alluvial deposits
Age: < 1 Ma (Holocene)
Rock types: sand and gravel
Elevation: 2,230 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 Alder Creek

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SAINT MARIES station (6 mi away).

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 Alder Creek

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

Chrysocolla Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Alder Creek.

Across the state line from Alder Creek

Alder Creek 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.

Alder Creek FAQ

Where is Alder Creek?+

Alder Creek is in Benewah County, Idaho, at 47.22543, -116.60397.

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

Alder Creek is reported to produce Chrysocolla.

Is collecting allowed at Alder 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 Alder 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 Alder Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Alder Creek are March to October.

How do I get to Alder Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.22543, -116.60397 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Alder Creek on the map

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