Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3: Agate & Plume Agate Rockhounding in Malheur County, Oregon

Updated August 2026

Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 is a mapped rockhounding spot in Malheur County, Oregon. Reported finds include agate, plume agate, jasper, petrified wood, fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Check locally
County: Malheur County
State: Oregon
Nearest road: Juntura-Riverside Road
Coordinates: 43.59988, -118.15028

Geology at Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3

This spot sits on Columbia River Basalt Group; Basalt of Malheur Gorge, mapped as basalt flows that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Fossils are uncommon in volcanic rock itself; look to any interbedded sediments and ash beds, where plant material and bone are typically preserved.

Mapped unit: Columbia River Basalt Group; Basalt of Malheur Gorge
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: basalt flows
Elevation: 4,200 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 Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RIVERSIDE 7 SSW station (11 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 Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3

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 Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3.

Across the state line from Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3

Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 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.

Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 FAQ

Where is Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3?+

Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 is in Malheur County, Oregon, at 43.59988, -118.15028. Nearest road: Juntura-Riverside Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3?+

Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 is reported to produce Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood, Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3?+

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 Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3?+

The most comfortable months at Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 are March to November.

How do I get to Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.59988, -118.15028 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Juntura-Riverside Road.

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Open Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3 on the map

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