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Clearwater River: Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in Nez Perce County, Idaho

Public access4 mineralsNez Perce County, IdahoUpdated June 2026
Minerals reported
4
Elevation
740 ft
Best months
January to June

Clearwater River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Nez Perce County, Idaho. Reported finds include agate, jasper, chert, fibrolite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

State
Idaho
Nearest road
US 12;US 95
Get directionsView on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Best time to visit Clearwater River

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: January to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 45°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LEWISTON AP station (5 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Geology at Clearwater River

This spot sits on Surficial deposits, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 66 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
66 Ma to present (Tertiary to Quaternary)
Rock types
sand and gravel
Elevation
740 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.

Today's weather

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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:

Found at Clearwater River

Each name 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 Clearwater River.

  • LewistonNez Perce County, Idaho · 1 mi awayAgate, Aquamarine, Garnet
  • AgathaNez Perce County, Idaho · 19 mi awayOpal, Opalized Wood
  • MoscowLatah County, Idaho · 25 mi awayOpal
  • Boulder CreekLatah County, Idaho · 33 mi awayGarnet
  • Mica MountainLatah County, Idaho · 37 mi awayGreen Beryl, Biotite, Muscovite
  • Purdue & Canyon CreeksLatah County, Idaho · 43 mi awayRed Garnet
  • East Fork Emerald CreekLatah County, Idaho · 49 mi awayStar Garnet
  • Carpenter CreekBenewah County, Idaho · 49 mi awayStaurolite

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.

  • ClarkstonAsotin County, Washington · 8 mi awayGold
  • Snake RiverAsotin County, Washington · 11 mi awayGold
  • Snake RiverAsotin County, Washington · 12 mi awayFire Opal
  • Bald ButteWhitman County, Washington · 15 mi awaySmoky Quartz
  • PullmanWhitman County, Washington · 24 mi awayFire Opal
  • Snake RiverGarfield County, Washington · 33 mi awayGold

Clearwater River FAQ

Where is Clearwater River?+
Clearwater River is in Nez Perce County, Idaho, at 46.43352, -116.95148. Nearest road: US 12;US 95.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Clearwater River?+
Clearwater River is reported to produce Agate, Jasper, Chert, Fibrolite.
Is collecting allowed at Clearwater River?+
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 Clearwater River?+
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 Clearwater River?+
The most comfortable months at Clearwater River are January to June.
How do I get to Clearwater River?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 46.43352, -116.95148 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 12;US 95.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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