Sheep creek: Moss Agate Rockhounding in Crook County, Oregon

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crook County
State: Oregon
Coordinates: 44.30167, -120.46288

Geology at Sheep creek

This spot sits on John Day/Clarno Group; Clarno Formation, mapped as basalt flows, mineralogy: quartz, andesite flows, and mudflow that formed roughly 56 to 23 million years ago. 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: John Day/Clarno Group; Clarno Formation
Age: 56–23 Ma (Eocene to Oligocene)
Rock types: basalt flows, mineralogy: quartz, andesite flows, and mudflow
Elevation: 4,180 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 Sheep creek

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PRINEVILLE station (19 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 Sheep creek

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

Moss Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sheep creek.

Sheep creek FAQ

Where is Sheep creek?+

Sheep creek is in Crook County, Oregon, at 44.30167, -120.46288.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sheep creek?+

Sheep creek is reported to produce Moss Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Sheep 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 Sheep 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 Sheep creek?+

The most comfortable months at Sheep creek are March to November.

How do I get to Sheep creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.30167, -120.46288 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Oregon

See all 177 Oregon spots →

Open Sheep creek on the map

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