Ellensburg: Geode Digging in Kittitas County, Washington

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Kittitas County
State: Washington
Coordinates: 47.08926, -120.51785

Geology at Ellensburg

This spot sits on Thorp Gravel, mapped as continental sedimentary deposits or rocks and conglomerate that formed roughly 5 to 3 million years ago. Concretions and geodes typically weather out of sedimentary beds like these, standing out as rounded, heavier-or-lighter-than-expected lumps.

Mapped unit: Thorp Gravel
Age: 5–3 Ma (Pliocene)
Rock types: continental sedimentary deposits or rocks and conglomerate
Elevation: 2,100 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 Ellensburg

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELLENSBURG BOWERS FLD station (4 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 Ellensburg

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

Geode Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Ellensburg.

Ellensburg FAQ

Where is Ellensburg?+

Ellensburg is in Kittitas County, Washington, at 47.08926, -120.51785.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ellensburg?+

Ellensburg is reported to produce Geode.

Is collecting allowed at Ellensburg?+

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 Ellensburg?+

Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.

When is the best time to visit Ellensburg?+

The most comfortable months at Ellensburg are March to November.

How do I get to Ellensburg?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.08926, -120.51785 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Washington

See all 92 Washington spots →

Open Ellensburg on the map

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