Butte Falls: Bloodstone Rockhounding in Jackson County, Oregon

Updated June 2026

Butte Falls is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jackson County, Oregon. Reported finds include bloodstone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jackson County
State: Oregon
Nearest road: Butte Falls-Fish Lake Road
Postcode: 97522
Coordinates: 42.53596, -122.55497

Geology at Butte Falls

This spot sits on Little Butte Volcanics; Heppsie Formation, mapped as basaltic andesite flows, basalt flows, and andesite flows that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Little Butte Volcanics; Heppsie Formation
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: basaltic andesite flows, basalt flows, and andesite flows
Elevation: 2,490 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 Butte Falls

Best months: January to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 46°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 28°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LOST CREEK DAM station (11 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 Butte Falls

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

Bloodstone

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Butte Falls.

Across the state line from Butte Falls

Butte Falls 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.

Butte Falls FAQ

Where is Butte Falls?+

Butte Falls is in Jackson County, Oregon, at 42.53596, -122.55497. Nearest road: Butte Falls-Fish Lake Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Butte Falls?+

Butte Falls is reported to produce Bloodstone.

Is collecting allowed at Butte Falls?+

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 Butte Falls?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Butte Falls?+

The most comfortable months at Butte Falls are January to November.

How do I get to Butte Falls?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.53596, -122.55497 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Butte Falls-Fish Lake Road.

More rockhounding in Oregon

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Open Butte Falls on the map

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