Ringold: Agate Rockhounding in Franklin County, Washington

Public accessBest spot1 mineralFranklin County, WashingtonUpdated June 2026

Mineral reported: 1
Elevation: 640 ft
Best months: February to November

Iron-stained gravels at the base of the White Bluffs, on the east side of the Columbia River from Byers Landing to Ringold, hold frequent agate and jasper, the agate chiefly gray and buff chalcedony with some red hues. The Ringold Springs access here is Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife land on the Franklin County bank, outside Hanford Reach National Monument. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

County: Franklin County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Ringold River Road
Coordinates: 46.48845, -119.24857

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

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.

Access note: Park at the WDFW Ringold Springs recreation site on the Franklin County east bank with a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass. Collecting is fine on the WDFW side, but the opposite north bank is Hanford Reach National Monument where all collecting is prohibited, so do not cross over.

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 Ringold

40°J

47°F

57°M

65°A

74°M

79°J

86°J

86°A

77°S

63°O

48°N

39°D

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELTOPIA 8 WSW station (8 mi away).

Geology at Ringold

This spot sits on Missoula, glacial Lake, deposits of, mapped as outburst flood deposits and gravel that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Missoula, glacial Lake, deposits of
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene)
Rock types: outburst flood deposits and gravel
Elevation: 640 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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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 Ringold

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

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Ringold.

Rattlesnake Mt.Benton County, Washington · 19 mi awayPetrified Wood, Opalized Wood
MattawaGrant County, Washington · 35 mi awayOpalized Wood
Cairn Hope PeakYakima County, Washington · 35 mi awayPetrified Wood, Opalized Wood
Horse Heaven HillsBenton County, Washington · 38 mi awayOpalized Wood
Columbia RiverKittitas County, Washington · 41 mi awayOpalized Wood, Petrified Wood
MabtonYakima County, Washington · 42 mi awayPetrified Wood, Opalized Wood
Petrified Forest State ParkKittitas County, Washington · 48 mi awayOpalized Wood, Petrified Wood
BickletonKlickitat County, Washington · 69 mi awayAgate, Carnelian, Jasper

Ringold FAQ

Where is Ringold?+

Ringold is in Franklin County, Washington, at 46.48845, -119.24857. Nearest road: Ringold River Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ringold?+

Ringold is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Ringold?+

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 Ringold?+

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 Ringold?+

The most comfortable months at Ringold are February to November.

How do I get to Ringold?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.48845, -119.24857 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Ringold River Road.