Elk River: Quartz & Agate Rockhounding in Curry County, Oregon

Updated August 2026

Elk River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Curry County, Oregon. Reported finds include quartz, agate, jasper, petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Check locally
County: Curry County
State: Oregon
Nearest road: Forest Road 5201
Coordinates: 42.72585, -124.27090

Geology at Elk River

This spot sits on Western Klamath Terrane; Elk Subterrane, mapped as sandstone, dark gray; fossils: few, poorly preserved, broad shelled buchia fossils, and mudstone that formed roughly 200 to 66 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: Western Klamath Terrane; Elk Subterrane
Age: 200–66 Ma (Jurassic to Cretaceous)
Rock types: sandstone, dark gray; fossils: few, poorly preserved, broad shelled buchia fossils, and mudstone
Elevation: 660 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 Elk River

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 52°F in winter to 65°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PORT ORFORD #2 station (12 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Confirm rules before collecting

Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ.

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 Elk 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 Elk River.

Across the state line from Elk River

Elk River 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.

Elk River FAQ

Where is Elk River?+

Elk River is in Curry County, Oregon, at 42.72585, -124.27090. Nearest road: Forest Road 5201.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Elk River?+

Elk River is reported to produce Quartz, Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Elk River?+

Confirm rules before collecting. Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Elk 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 Elk River?+

Elk River is workable year-round.

How do I get to Elk River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.72585, -124.27090 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Forest Road 5201.

More rockhounding in Oregon

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Open Elk River on the map

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