Pistol River: Quartz & Jasper Rockhounding in Curry County, Oregon

Updated August 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Check locally
County: Curry County
State: Oregon
Nearest road: Oregon Coast Highway
Coordinates: 42.27893, -124.40500

Geology at Pistol River

This spot sits on ground mapped as Gold Beach Terrane; Hunters Cove Formation that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Petrified wood typically shows up as durable float on slopes and in washes cut into ground like this.

Mapped unit: Gold Beach Terrane; Hunters Cove Formation
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Elevation: 20 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 Pistol River

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 55°F in winter to 68°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOLD BEACH RS station (9 mi away).

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 Pistol 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 Pistol River.

Across the state line from Pistol River

Pistol 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.

Pistol River FAQ

Where is Pistol River?+

Pistol River is in Curry County, Oregon, at 42.27893, -124.40500. Nearest road: Oregon Coast Highway.

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

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

Is collecting allowed at Pistol 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 Pistol 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 Pistol River?+

Pistol River is workable year-round.

How do I get to Pistol River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.27893, -124.40500 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Oregon Coast Highway.

More rockhounding in Oregon

See all 177 Oregon spots →

Open Pistol River on the map

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