Best spot

Mackay: Azurite & Chalcopyrite Rockhounding in Custer County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Mackay is the best Custer County mine-district pick for copper minerals, with Mindat documenting malachite and related species across the Alder Creek and White Knob district. Idaho Department of Lands also lists Custer County districts for azurite, malachite, and other base-metal minerals, so the site has stronger mineral documentation than a generic scenic stop. Reported finds include azurite, chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, malachite, pyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Mackay photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

2 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Custer County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: National Forest Development Road 496
Coordinates: 43.89020, -113.67457

Geology at Mackay

This spot sits on Leucogranite porphyry, mapped as granite that formed roughly 56 to 34 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: Leucogranite porphyry
Age: 56–34 Ma (Eocene)
Rock types: granite
Elevation: 7,860 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 Mackay

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 23°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 1°F. At about 7,860 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MACKAY LOST RVR RS station (4 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 Mackay

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 Mackay.

Mackay FAQ

Where is Mackay?+

Mackay is in Custer County, Idaho, at 43.89020, -113.67457. Nearest road: National Forest Development Road 496.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mackay?+

Mackay is reported to produce Azurite, Chalcopyrite, Chrysocolla, Malachite, Pyrite, Pyrrhotite.

Is collecting allowed at Mackay?+

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 Mackay?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Mackay?+

The most comfortable months at Mackay are April to October. At about 7,860 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Mackay?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.89020, -113.67457 in Google Maps. The nearest road is National Forest Development Road 496.

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