Carey: Jasper & Moss Agate Rockhounding in Blaine County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Carey is a mapped rockhounding spot in Blaine County, Idaho. Reported finds include jasper, moss agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Blaine County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: US 93;US 26
Coordinates: 43.23873, -113.96565

Geology at Carey

This spot sits on Basalt (Pleistocene and Pliocene), mapped as basalt that formed within roughly the last 4 million years. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit: Basalt (Pleistocene and Pliocene)
Age: 4 Ma to present (Late Pliocene to Late Pleistocene)
Rock types: basalt
Elevation: 4,700 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 Carey

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PICABO station (7 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 Carey

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 Carey.

Carey FAQ

Where is Carey?+

Carey is in Blaine County, Idaho, at 43.23873, -113.96565. Nearest road: US 93;US 26.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Carey?+

Carey is reported to produce Jasper, Moss Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Carey?+

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 Carey?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Carey?+

The most comfortable months at Carey are March to November.

How do I get to Carey?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.23873, -113.96565 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 93;US 26.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Carey on the map

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