Washougal: Moss Agate & Amethyst Rockhounding in Clark County, Washington

Permission requiredBest spot2 mineralsClark County, WashingtonUpdated June 2026

Minerals reported: 2
Elevation: 570 ft
Best months: February to November

Gravel bars along the Washougal River yield moss agate, carnelian, jasper, and petrified wood weathered from the surrounding volcanic terrain. The best collecting follows high water, when receding flows expose fresh gravel along the bars. The only documented amethyst in the area is a small amount of amethystine quartz on a mine dump upriver in Skamania County, not the Clark County riverbank. Reported finds include moss agate, amethyst. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Permission required before collecting

County: Clark County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Southeast 10th Street
Postcode: 98671
Coordinates: 45.61650, -122.27351

Get directions View on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

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

Access note: Hunt agate along Washougal River gravel bars at public day-use access points, where a Discover Pass covers parking; much of the corridor is private, so permission is required off public ground. Collect loose surface material below the ordinary high-water line.

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.

Best time to visit Washougal

44°J

48°F

53°M

59°A

66°M

71°J

79°J

80°A

74°S

62°O

50°N

43°D

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 44°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SKAMANIA FISH HATCHERY station (3 mi away).

Geology at Washougal

This spot sits on ground mapped as mass-wasting deposits, mostly landslides that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: mass-wasting deposits, mostly landslides
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Elevation: 570 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.

Today's weather

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The app shows live weather, recent rain, and a daily rockhounding score for Washougal.

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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 Washougal

Each name 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 Washougal.

CamasClark County, Washington · 8 mi awayGold
Brush PrairieClark County, Washington · 16 mi awayGold
Lake Merwin Area CarneliansCowlitz County, Washington · 29 mi awayAgate, Carnelian
KelsoCowlitz County, Washington · 42 mi awayAgate
LyleKlickitat County, Washington · 50 mi awayPetrified Wood
Klickitat RiverKlickitat County, Washington · 52 mi awayPetrified Wood
Mt. AdamsSkamania County, Washington · 55 mi awayAgate, Carnelian, Chalcedony
ToledoLewis County, Washington · 63 mi awayGeode, Nodule

Across the state line from Washougal

Washougal is close enough to the Washington border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Columbia River shoreColumbia County, Oregon · 28 mi awayThomsonite
Clackamas RiverClackamas County, Oregon · 29 mi awayPetrified Wood, Cinnabar, Agate
Clackamas RiverClackamas County, Oregon · 38 mi awayPetrified Wood, Cinnabar, Agate
MosierWasco County, Oregon · 43 mi awayPetrified Wood, Silicified Pine Cone
Chenowith CreekWasco County, Oregon · 50 mi awayOpalized Wood
Clear CreekColumbia County, Oregon · 51 mi awayPlume Agate, Carnelian, Jasper

Washougal FAQ

Where is Washougal?+

Washougal is in Clark County, Washington, at 45.61650, -122.27351. Nearest road: Southeast 10th Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Washougal?+

Washougal is reported to produce Moss Agate, Amethyst.

Is collecting allowed at Washougal?+

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 Washougal?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Washougal?+

The most comfortable months at Washougal are February to November.

How do I get to Washougal?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.61650, -122.27351 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Southeast 10th Street.