Burke: Quartz Rockhounding in Shoshone County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Shoshone County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Burke-Canyon Creek Road
Coordinates: 47.51672, -115.82488

Geology at Burke

This spot sits on Burke Formation, mapped as impure quartzite and quartzite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Burke Formation
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: impure quartzite and quartzite
Elevation: 3,990 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 Burke

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MULLAN station (4 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 Burke

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

Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Burke.

Across the state line from Burke

Burke 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.

Burke FAQ

Where is Burke?+

Burke is in Shoshone County, Idaho, at 47.51672, -115.82488. Nearest road: Burke-Canyon Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Burke?+

Burke is reported to produce Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Burke?+

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 Burke?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Burke?+

The most comfortable months at Burke are April to October.

How do I get to Burke?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.51672, -115.82488 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Burke-Canyon Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Burke on the map

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