Orogrande: Copper Rockhounding in Idaho County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Idaho County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Crooked River Road
Coordinates: 45.69683, -115.55846

Geology at Orogrande

This spot sits on Idaho batholith, biotite- and muscovite-biotite granodiorite and granite, mapped as granodiorite and granite 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, biotite- and muscovite-biotite granodiorite and granite
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: granodiorite and granite
Elevation: 5,190 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 Orogrande

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 7°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DIXIE N station (10 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 Orogrande

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

Copper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Orogrande.

Across the state line from Orogrande

Orogrande 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.

Orogrande FAQ

Where is Orogrande?+

Orogrande is in Idaho County, Idaho, at 45.69683, -115.55846. Nearest road: Crooked River Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Orogrande?+

Orogrande is reported to produce Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Orogrande?+

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 Orogrande?+

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 Orogrande?+

The most comfortable months at Orogrande are April to October.

How do I get to Orogrande?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.69683, -115.55846 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Crooked River Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Orogrande on the map

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