Lewiston: Agate & Aquamarine Rockhounding in Nez Perce County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Lewiston is a mapped rockhounding spot in Nez Perce County, Idaho. Reported finds include agate, aquamarine, garnet, gold, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Nez Perce County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Eaton Road
Coordinates: 46.45324, -116.94458

Geology at Lewiston

This spot sits on Grande Ronde Basalt, 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
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: basalt
Elevation: 1,060 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 Lewiston

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 32°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LEWISTON AP station (6 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 Lewiston

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 Lewiston.

Across the state line from Lewiston

Lewiston 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.

Lewiston FAQ

Where is Lewiston?+

Lewiston is in Nez Perce County, Idaho, at 46.45324, -116.94458. Nearest road: Eaton Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lewiston?+

Lewiston is reported to produce Agate, Aquamarine, Garnet, Gold, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Lewiston?+

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 Lewiston?+

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 Lewiston?+

The most comfortable months at Lewiston are February to June.

How do I get to Lewiston?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.45324, -116.94458 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Eaton Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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Open Lewiston on the map

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