Rader Creek: Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Jefferson County, Montana

Updated August 2026

Rader Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, Montana. Reported finds include smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jefferson County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Lower Rader Creek Road
Coordinates: 45.84563, -112.32334

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 Rader Creek

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

Smoky Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Rader Creek.

Rader Creek FAQ

Where is Rader Creek?+

Rader Creek is in Jefferson County, Montana, at 45.84563, -112.32334. Nearest road: Lower Rader Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Rader Creek?+

Rader Creek is reported to produce Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Rader Creek?+

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 Rader Creek?+

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.

How do I get to Rader Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.84563, -112.32334 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Lower Rader Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Montana

See all 106 Montana spots →

Open Rader Creek on the map

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