Clearwater River: Gold Prospecting in Idaho County, Idaho

Updated July 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Idaho County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: ID 13
Coordinates: 46.10962, -115.98027

Geology at Clearwater River

This spot sits on Grande Ronde Basalt, magnetostratigraphic unit N1, mapped as basalt that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Gold in volcanic terrain like this is usually tied to old vein systems and the gravels that drain them, so nearby washes tend to carry the color.

Mapped unit: Grande Ronde Basalt, magnetostratigraphic unit N1
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: basalt
Elevation: 1,290 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 Clearwater River

Best months: February to July. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 28°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KOOSKIA 5 SSE station (3 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Clearwater River

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

Gold Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Clearwater River.

Across the state line from Clearwater River

Clearwater River 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.

Clearwater River FAQ

Where is Clearwater River?+

Clearwater River is in Idaho County, Idaho, at 46.10962, -115.98027. Nearest road: ID 13.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Clearwater River?+

Clearwater River is reported to produce Gold.

Is collecting allowed at Clearwater River?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Clearwater River?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Clearwater River?+

The most comfortable months at Clearwater River are February to July.

How do I get to Clearwater River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.10962, -115.98027 in Google Maps. The nearest road is ID 13.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Clearwater River on the map

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