Bear Creek: Moss Agate & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Crook County, Oregon

Updated June 2026

Bear Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Crook County, Oregon. Reported finds include moss agate, chalcedony, drusy quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crook County
State: Oregon
Coordinates: 44.07241, -120.74540

Geology at Bear Creek

This spot sits on surficial deposits; Alluvial deposits, mapped as mixed fluvial sediment that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: surficial deposits; Alluvial deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: mixed fluvial sediment
Elevation: 3,260 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 Bear Creek

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PRINEVILLE station (16 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 Oregon/Washington — Rockhounding & mineral material
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department — beach collecting rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Bear Creek

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 Bear Creek.

Bear Creek FAQ

Where is Bear Creek?+

Bear Creek is in Crook County, Oregon, at 44.07241, -120.74540.

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

Bear Creek is reported to produce Moss Agate, Chalcedony, Drusy Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Bear 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 Bear Creek?+

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 Bear Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Bear Creek are February to November.

How do I get to Bear Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.07241, -120.74540 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Oregon

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Open Bear Creek on the map

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