Cle Elum: Blue Agate Rockhounding in Kittitas County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Cle Elum is a mapped rockhounding spot in Kittitas County, Washington. Reported finds include blue agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Kittitas County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Deer Creek Road
Postcode: 98922
Coordinates: 47.20551, -120.93545

Geology at Cle Elum

This spot sits on Roslyn Formation, upper member of, mapped as continental sedimentary deposits or rocks that formed roughly 56 to 34 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Roslyn Formation, upper member of
Age: 56–34 Ma (Eocene)
Rock types: continental sedimentary deposits or rocks
Elevation: 2,190 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 Cle Elum

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CLE ELUM station (2 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

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

Found at Cle Elum

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

Blue Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Cle Elum.

Cle Elum FAQ

Where is Cle Elum?+

Cle Elum is in Kittitas County, Washington, at 47.20551, -120.93545. Nearest road: Deer Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cle Elum?+

Cle Elum is reported to produce Blue Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Cle Elum?+

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 Cle Elum?+

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 Cle Elum?+

The most comfortable months at Cle Elum are March to October.

How do I get to Cle Elum?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.20551, -120.93545 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Deer Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Washington

See all 92 Washington spots →

Open Cle Elum on the map

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