Lane’s Creek: Hematite Rockhounding in Caribou County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Lane’s Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Caribou County, Idaho. Reported finds include hematite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Caribou County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Lanes Creek Cutoff Road
Coordinates: 42.93220, -111.28623

Geology at Lane’s Creek

This spot sits on Basalt (Pleistocene and Pliocene), mapped as basalt that formed within roughly the last 4 million years. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Basalt (Pleistocene and Pliocene)
Age: 4 Ma to present (Late Pliocene to Late Pleistocene)
Rock types: basalt
Elevation: 6,660 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 Lane’s Creek

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BEDFORD 3 SE station (20 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 Lane’s Creek

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

Hematite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Lane’s Creek.

Across the state line from Lane’s Creek

Lane’s 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.

Lane’s Creek FAQ

Where is Lane’s Creek?+

Lane’s Creek is in Caribou County, Idaho, at 42.93220, -111.28623. Nearest road: Lanes Creek Cutoff Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lane’s Creek?+

Lane’s Creek is reported to produce Hematite.

Is collecting allowed at Lane’s 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 Lane’s Creek?+

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 Lane’s Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Lane’s Creek are April to October.

How do I get to Lane’s Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.93220, -111.28623 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Lanes Creek Cutoff Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Lane’s Creek on the map

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