Shores of Ochoco Reservoir: Ochoco Jasper Rockhounding in Crook County, Oregon

Updated June 2026

Shores of Ochoco Reservoir is a mapped rockhounding spot in Crook County, Oregon. Reported finds include ochoco jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crook County
State: Oregon
Nearest road: Northeast Ochoco Highway
Coordinates: 44.31249, -120.68034

Geology at Shores of Ochoco Reservoir

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: 3,110 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 Shores of Ochoco Reservoir

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 (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.

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 Shores of Ochoco Reservoir

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

Ochoco Jasper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Shores of Ochoco Reservoir.

Shores of Ochoco Reservoir FAQ

Where is Shores of Ochoco Reservoir?+

Shores of Ochoco Reservoir is in Crook County, Oregon, at 44.31249, -120.68034. Nearest road: Northeast Ochoco Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Shores of Ochoco Reservoir?+

Shores of Ochoco Reservoir is reported to produce Ochoco Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Shores of Ochoco Reservoir?+

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 Shores of Ochoco Reservoir?+

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 Shores of Ochoco Reservoir?+

The most comfortable months at Shores of Ochoco Reservoir are February to November.

How do I get to Shores of Ochoco Reservoir?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.31249, -120.68034 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Northeast Ochoco Highway.

More rockhounding in Oregon

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Open Shores of Ochoco Reservoir on the map

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