Horseshoe Basin district: Chalcopyrite & Galena Rockhounding in Chelan County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Horseshoe Basin district is a mapped rockhounding spot in Chelan County, Washington. Reported finds include chalcopyrite, galena. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Chelan County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Horseshoe Basin Trail
Coordinates: 48.47429, -121.02035

Best time to visit Horseshoe Basin district

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 74°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, STEHEKIN 4 NW station (16 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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

Washington Geological Survey (DNR)
Stonerose Interpretive Center — Visit & rules
BLM Spokane District
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Horseshoe Basin district

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 Horseshoe Basin district.

Horseshoe Basin district FAQ

Where is Horseshoe Basin district?+

Horseshoe Basin district is in Chelan County, Washington, at 48.47429, -121.02035. Nearest road: Horseshoe Basin Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Horseshoe Basin district?+

Horseshoe Basin district is reported to produce Chalcopyrite, Galena.

Is collecting allowed at Horseshoe Basin district?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Horseshoe Basin district?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Horseshoe Basin district?+

The most comfortable months at Horseshoe Basin district are April to October.

How do I get to Horseshoe Basin district?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 48.47429, -121.02035 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Horseshoe Basin Trail.

More rockhounding in Washington

See all 92 Washington spots →

Open Horseshoe Basin district on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.