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Nehalem River gravels: Agate & Carnelian Rockhounding in Clatsop County, Oregon

Updated June 2026

Nehalem River gravels is a mapped rockhounding spot in Clatsop County, Oregon. Reported finds include agate, carnelian, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Nehalem River gravels in Clatsop County, Oregon

Quick details

Access
Public area
State
Oregon
Nearest road
Maple Road
Postcode
97138

Geology at Nehalem River gravels

This spot sits on surficial deposits; Terrace deposits, mapped as basalt gravel, terrace, and lithology: arkosic and basaltic that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit
surficial deposits; Terrace deposits
Age
3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types
basalt gravel, terrace, and lithology: arkosic and basaltic
Elevation
430 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 Nehalem River gravels

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 46°F in winter to 78°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VERNONIA #2 station (18 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:

Found at Nehalem River gravels

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 Nehalem River gravels.

Across the state line from Nehalem River gravels

Nehalem River gravels is close enough to the Oregon border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Nehalem River gravels FAQ

Where is Nehalem River gravels?+
Nehalem River gravels is in Clatsop County, Oregon, at 45.89048, -123.55691. Nearest road: Maple Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Nehalem River gravels?+
Nehalem River gravels is reported to produce Agate, Carnelian, Jasper.
Is collecting allowed at Nehalem River gravels?+
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 Nehalem River gravels?+
Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.
When is the best time to visit Nehalem River gravels?+
Nehalem River gravels is workable year-round.
How do I get to Nehalem River gravels?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 45.89048, -123.55691 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Maple Road.

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