North Platte River: Agatized Wood & Opalized Wood Rockhounding in Morrill County, Nebraska

Updated June 2026

North Platte River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Morrill County, Nebraska. Reported finds include agatized wood, opalized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Morrill County
State: Nebraska
Nearest road: Road 70
Coordinates: 41.49388, -102.64306

Geology at North Platte River

This spot sits on Ogallala Group or Formation, mapped as siltstone mudstone and conglomerate sandstone that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Ogallala Group or Formation
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: siltstone mudstone and conglomerate sandstone
Elevation: 3,490 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 North Platte River

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BROADWATER 10SSE station (8 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at North Platte River

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 North Platte River.

North Platte River FAQ

Where is North Platte River?+

North Platte River is in Morrill County, Nebraska, at 41.49388, -102.64306. Nearest road: Road 70.

What rocks and minerals can you find at North Platte River?+

North Platte River is reported to produce Agatized Wood, Opalized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at North Platte River?+

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 North Platte River?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit North Platte River?+

The most comfortable months at North Platte River are February to June.

How do I get to North Platte River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.49388, -102.64306 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Road 70.

More rockhounding in Nebraska

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Open North Platte River on the map

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