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Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area: Obsidian & Silver Sheen Obsidian Rockhounding in Lake County, Oregon

Updated August 2026

Glass Buttes is a rhyolite and obsidian complex with an unusually broad suite of gem-quality obsidian, including mahogany, rainbow, gold sheen, silver sheen, midnight lace, and other varieties documented by Oregon State University. The BLM-managed setting makes it one of Oregon's strongest public-land examples of volcanic glass collecting, with ordinary rockhounding rules still requiring attention to claims and local restrictions. Reported finds include obsidian, silver sheen obsidian, lace obsidian, mahogany obsidian. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

6 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lake County
State: Oregon
Coordinates: 43.55732, -120.07451

Geology at Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area

This spot sits on volcanic rocks; Glass Butte Complex, mapped as rhyodacite intrusives, plagioclase hornblende quartz biotite phenocrysts, rhyodacite flows, gray, and black; plagioclase hornblende quartz phenocrysts 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: volcanic rocks; Glass Butte Complex
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: rhyodacite intrusives, plagioclase hornblende quartz biotite phenocrysts, rhyodacite flows, gray, and black; plagioclase hornblende quartz phenocrysts
Elevation: 6,370 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 Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SQUAW BUTTE-NORTHERN GREAT BAS station (18 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 Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area

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 Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area.

Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area FAQ

Where is Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area?+

Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area is in Lake County, Oregon, at 43.55732, -120.07451.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area?+

Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area is reported to produce Obsidian, Silver Sheen Obsidian, Lace Obsidian, Mahogany Obsidian.

Is collecting allowed at Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area?+

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 Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area?+

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 Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area?+

The most comfortable months at Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area are April to October.

How do I get to Glass Butte Recreational Rockhound Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.55732, -120.07451 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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