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

Updated June 2026

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.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Nez Perce County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: US 12;US 95
Coordinates: 46.43352, -116.95148

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.

Best time to visit Clearwater River

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.

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 Clearwater River

Each chip 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.

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 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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Open Clearwater River on the map

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