Panther Creek: Opal Rockhounding in Lemhi County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lemhi County
State: Idaho
Postcode: 83229
Coordinates: 45.09533, -114.23035

Geology at Panther Creek

This spot sits on Surficial deposits, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Surficial deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: sand and gravel
Elevation: 5,050 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 Panther Creek

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 24°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 7°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SALMON-KSRA station (18 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 Panther Creek

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

Opal Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Panther Creek.

Across the state line from Panther Creek

Panther 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.

Panther Creek FAQ

Where is Panther Creek?+

Panther Creek is in Lemhi County, Idaho, at 45.09533, -114.23035.

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

Panther Creek is reported to produce Opal.

Is collecting allowed at Panther 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 Panther Creek?+

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 Panther Creek?+

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

How do I get to Panther Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.09533, -114.23035 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Panther Creek on the map

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