Neihart: Galena & Polybasite Rockhounding in Cascade County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Neihart is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cascade County, Montana. Reported finds include galena, polybasite, silver, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cascade County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Rock Creek Road
Postcode: 59465
Coordinates: 46.94575, -110.72403

Geology at Neihart

This spot sits on Pinto Diorite, mapped as diorite that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Pinto Diorite
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: diorite
Elevation: 6,740 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 Neihart

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NEIHART 8 NNW station (7 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 Neihart

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 Neihart.

Neihart FAQ

Where is Neihart?+

Neihart is in Cascade County, Montana, at 46.94575, -110.72403. Nearest road: Rock Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Neihart?+

Neihart is reported to produce Galena, Polybasite, Silver, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Neihart?+

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 Neihart?+

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 Neihart?+

The most comfortable months at Neihart are April to October.

How do I get to Neihart?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.94575, -110.72403 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Rock Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Montana

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Open Neihart on the map

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