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Shafer Creek: Feldspar Rockhounding in Boise County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

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

Map showing Shafer Creek in Boise County, Idaho

Quick details

Access
Public area
State
Idaho
Nearest road
Shafer Creek Road

Geology at Shafer Creek

This spot sits on Sedimentary rocks associated with flood basalts, mapped as mixed clastic that formed roughly 20 to 7 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit
Sedimentary rocks associated with flood basalts
Age
20–7 Ma (Early Miocene to Late Miocene)
Rock types
mixed clastic
Elevation
3,460 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 Shafer Creek

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 25°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BOISE 7 N 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:

Found at Shafer Creek

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 Shafer Creek.

Across the state line from Shafer Creek

Shafer 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.

Shafer Creek FAQ

Where is Shafer Creek?+
Shafer Creek is in Boise County, Idaho, at 43.83092, -116.17343. Nearest road: Shafer Creek Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Shafer Creek?+
Shafer Creek is reported to produce Feldspar.
Is collecting allowed at Shafer 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 Shafer Creek?+
A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.
When is the best time to visit Shafer Creek?+
The most comfortable months at Shafer Creek are March to November.
How do I get to Shafer Creek?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 43.83092, -116.17343 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Shafer Creek Road.

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