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General Area (Clearwater NF): Almandine Garnet Rockhounding in Clearwater County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

General Area (Clearwater NF) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Clearwater County, Idaho. Reported finds include almandine garnet. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing General Area (Clearwater NF) in Clearwater County, Idaho

Quick details

Access
Public area
State
Idaho

Geology at General Area (Clearwater NF)

This spot sits on Idaho batholith, quartz diorite, mapped as quartz diorite that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Garnet and similar hard minerals typically weather out of rock like this and concentrate as resistant grains in nearby soils and creek gravels.

Mapped unit
Idaho batholith, quartz diorite
Age
145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types
quartz diorite
Elevation
3,310 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 General Area (Clearwater NF)

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HEADQUARTERS station (0 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:

Found at General Area (Clearwater NF)

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 General Area (Clearwater NF).

Across the state line from General Area (Clearwater NF)

General Area (Clearwater NF) 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.

General Area (Clearwater NF) FAQ

Where is General Area (Clearwater NF)?+
General Area (Clearwater NF) is in Clearwater County, Idaho, at 46.62770, -115.80647.
What rocks and minerals can you find at General Area (Clearwater NF)?+
General Area (Clearwater NF) is reported to produce Almandine Garnet.
Is collecting allowed at General Area (Clearwater NF)?+
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 General Area (Clearwater NF)?+
A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.
When is the best time to visit General Area (Clearwater NF)?+
The most comfortable months at General Area (Clearwater NF) are March to October.
How do I get to General Area (Clearwater NF)?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 46.62770, -115.80647 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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