Sweet: Agate Rockhounding in Gem County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Sweet is a mapped rockhounding spot in Gem County, Idaho. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Gem County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Liberty Road
Postcode: 83670
Coordinates: 44.03352, -116.31021

Geology at Sweet

This spot sits on Tonalite, granodiorite, and quartz diorite, mapped as tonalite, granodiorite, and quartz diorite that formed roughly 100 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: Tonalite, granodiorite, and quartz diorite
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: tonalite, granodiorite, and quartz diorite
Elevation: 2,920 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 Sweet

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, OLA station (10 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: 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 Sweet

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

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sweet.

Across the state line from Sweet

Sweet 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.

Sweet FAQ

Where is Sweet?+

Sweet is in Gem County, Idaho, at 44.03352, -116.31021. Nearest road: Liberty Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sweet?+

Sweet is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Sweet?+

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 Sweet?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Sweet?+

The most comfortable months at Sweet are February to June.

How do I get to Sweet?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.03352, -116.31021 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Liberty Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Sweet on the map

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