White Creek: Copper Rockhounding in Meagher County, Montana

Updated June 2026

White Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Meagher County, Montana. Reported finds include copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Meagher County
State: Montana
Nearest road: 30007
Coordinates: 46.62770, -111.41337

Geology at White Creek

This spot sits on Granodiorite and related rocks near Orofino Gulch, Greenhorn Mountain, Granite Butte, and Browns Lake, mapped as granodiorite that formed roughly 100 to 66 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: Granodiorite and related rocks near Orofino Gulch, Greenhorn Mountain, Granite Butte, and Browns Lake
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: granodiorite
Elevation: 6,490 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 White Creek

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 75°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 6°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MILLEGAN 14 SE station (21 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 White Creek

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

Copper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of White Creek.

White Creek FAQ

Where is White Creek?+

White Creek is in Meagher County, Montana, at 46.62770, -111.41337. Nearest road: 30007.

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

White Creek is reported to produce Copper.

Is collecting allowed at White 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 White Creek?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit White Creek?+

The most comfortable months at White Creek are April to October.

How do I get to White Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.62770, -111.41337 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 30007.

More rockhounding in Montana

See all 87 Montana spots →

Open White Creek on the map

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