Winston: Lead & Silver Rockhounding in Broadwater County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Winston is a mapped rockhounding spot in Broadwater County, Montana. Reported finds include lead, silver, zinc. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Broadwater County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Weasel Creek Road
Coordinates: 46.43789, -111.69807

Geology at Winston

This spot sits on Elkhorn Mountains Volcanics, mapped as rhyolitic-to-andesitic flows and rhyolitic-to-andesitic tuffs that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Elkhorn Mountains Volcanics
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: rhyolitic-to-andesitic flows and rhyolitic-to-andesitic tuffs
Elevation: 5,660 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 Winston

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TOWNSEND 3SE station (15 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

BLM Montana — Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Winston

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 Winston.

Winston FAQ

Where is Winston?+

Winston is in Broadwater County, Montana, at 46.43789, -111.69807. Nearest road: Weasel Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Winston?+

Winston is reported to produce Lead, Silver, Zinc.

Is collecting allowed at Winston?+

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 Winston?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Winston?+

The most comfortable months at Winston are April to October.

How do I get to Winston?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.43789, -111.69807 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Weasel Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Montana

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Open Winston on the map

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