Rhodes Creek: Zircon Rockhounding in Clearwater County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Clearwater County
State: Idaho
Postcode: 83546
Coordinates: 46.50744, -115.76326

Geology at Rhodes Creek

This spot sits on Idaho batholith, quartz diorite, mapped as quartz diorite 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: Idaho batholith, quartz diorite
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: quartz diorite
Elevation: 3,350 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 Rhodes Creek

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PIERCE station (2 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 Rhodes Creek

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

Zircon Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Rhodes Creek.

Across the state line from Rhodes Creek

Rhodes 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.

Rhodes Creek FAQ

Where is Rhodes Creek?+

Rhodes Creek is in Clearwater County, Idaho, at 46.50744, -115.76326.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Rhodes Creek?+

Rhodes Creek is reported to produce Zircon.

Is collecting allowed at Rhodes 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 Rhodes 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 Rhodes Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Rhodes Creek are March to October.

How do I get to Rhodes Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.50744, -115.76326 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 117 Idaho spots →

Open Rhodes Creek on the map

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