Bellevue: Galena & Dufrenoysite Rockhounding in Blaine County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Bellevue is a mapped rockhounding spot in Blaine County, Idaho. Reported finds include galena, dufrenoysite, magnetite, malachite, marcasite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Blaine County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Poison Creek Road
Coordinates: 43.41543, -114.45534

Geology at Bellevue

This spot sits on Hornblende-biotite granodiorite, mapped as granodiorite;monzogranite that formed roughly 145 to 66 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: Hornblende-biotite granodiorite
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: granodiorite;monzogranite
Elevation: 5,960 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 Bellevue

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BELLEVUE station (11 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 Bellevue

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 Bellevue.

Bellevue FAQ

Where is Bellevue?+

Bellevue is in Blaine County, Idaho, at 43.41543, -114.45534. Nearest road: Poison Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bellevue?+

Bellevue is reported to produce Galena, Dufrenoysite, Magnetite, Malachite, Marcasite, Pyrrhotite.

Is collecting allowed at Bellevue?+

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 Bellevue?+

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 Bellevue?+

The most comfortable months at Bellevue are March to October.

How do I get to Bellevue?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.41543, -114.45534 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Poison Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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