Carnelian beach: Agate Nodules & Carnelian Rockhounding in Keweenaw County, Michigan

Updated June 2026

Carnelian beach is a mapped rockhounding spot in Keweenaw County, Michigan. Reported finds include agate nodules, carnelian, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Keweenaw County
State: Michigan
Nearest road: Island Mine Trail
Coordinates: 47.90471, -89.00383

Geology at Carnelian beach

This spot sits on Copper Harbor Conglomerate, mapped as conglomerate and sandstone that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Copper Harbor Conglomerate
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: conglomerate and sandstone
Elevation: 590 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 Carnelian beach

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 74°F in midsummer and 21°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 1°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GRAND PORTAGE station (32 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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

Michigan DNR — Rockhounding rules
Michigan Geological Survey
Isle Royale National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Carnelian beach

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 Carnelian beach.

Across the state line from Carnelian beach

Carnelian beach is close enough to the Michigan border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Carnelian beach FAQ

Where is Carnelian beach?+

Carnelian beach is in Keweenaw County, Michigan, at 47.90471, -89.00383. Nearest road: Island Mine Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Carnelian beach?+

Carnelian beach is reported to produce Agate Nodules, Carnelian, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Carnelian beach?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Carnelian beach?+

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 Carnelian beach?+

The most comfortable months at Carnelian beach are April to October.

How do I get to Carnelian beach?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.90471, -89.00383 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Island Mine Trail.

More rockhounding in Michigan

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Open Carnelian beach on the map

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