Lyman Lake: Gold Prospecting in Okanogan County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Lyman Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Okanogan County, Washington. Reported finds include gold, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Okanogan County
State: Washington
Nearest road: National Forest Development Road 500
Coordinates: 48.52730, -119.02356

Geology at Lyman Lake

This spot sits on Moses pluton, Keller Butte suite, mapped as granite that formed roughly 66 to 34 million years ago. Gold in granitic terrain like this is typically tied to quartz veins along contacts and shear zones, with placer color in the streams that drain them.

Mapped unit: Moses pluton, Keller Butte suite
Age: 66–34 Ma (Paleocene to Eocene)
Rock types: granite
Elevation: 2,920 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 Lyman Lake

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, REPUBLIC station (15 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 Lyman Lake

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 Lyman Lake.

Lyman Lake FAQ

Where is Lyman Lake?+

Lyman Lake is in Okanogan County, Washington, at 48.52730, -119.02356. Nearest road: National Forest Development Road 500.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lyman Lake?+

Lyman Lake is reported to produce Gold, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Lyman Lake?+

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 Lyman Lake?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Lyman Lake?+

The most comfortable months at Lyman Lake are March to October.

How do I get to Lyman Lake?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 48.52730, -119.02356 in Google Maps. The nearest road is National Forest Development Road 500.

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