Fossils near Burns, OR
13 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Burns report fossil. The closest is Stinkingwater Creek, about 30 miles out (37 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 13 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Burns, Oregon
Closest fossils spots to Burns
- Stinkingwater CreekHarney County, Oregon30 mi · 37 min drivePetrified Wood, Agate, Jasper
- North Beede Reservoir - Site 2Harney County, Oregon31 mi · 39 min driveAgate, Plume Agate, Jasper
- North Beede Reservoir - Site 1Harney County, Oregon31 mi · 39 min driveAgate, Plume Agate, Jasper
- Delintment LakeHarney County, Oregon36 mi · 46 min driveAmmonite Fossils, Fossils
- Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 1Harney County, Oregon38 mi · 47 min driveAgate, Plume Agate, Jasper
- Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 2Harney County, Oregon39 mi · 48 min driveAgate, Plume Agate, Jasper
Types of fossils reported near Burns
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Fossils12
- Ammonite Fossils1
- Fossilized Ferns1
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Burns
Sorted by distance from Burns. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
Fossils near Burns FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Burns?+
13 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Burns report fossil. The closest is Stinkingwater Creek in Harney County, roughly 30 miles away (37 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Burns?+
2 of the 13 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible, and 1 is a fee-dig site where you pay for access and keep your finds. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Burns do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 30 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 113 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
