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Metaline Falls: Smithsonite Rockhounding in Pend Oreille County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Metaline Falls is a mapped rockhounding spot in Pend Oreille County, Washington. Reported finds include smithsonite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County, Washington

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Pend Oreille Mine Road
Postcode
99153

Geology at Metaline Falls

This spot sits on Glacial and alluvial deposits, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit
Glacial and alluvial deposits
Age
3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types
sand and gravel
Elevation
2,170 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 Metaline Falls

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BOUNDARY DAM station (8 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:

Found at Metaline Falls

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 Metaline Falls.

Across the state line from Metaline Falls

Metaline Falls 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.

Metaline Falls FAQ

Where is Metaline Falls?+
Metaline Falls is in Pend Oreille County, Washington, at 48.87999, -117.37190. Nearest road: Pend Oreille Mine Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Metaline Falls?+
Metaline Falls is reported to produce Smithsonite.
Is collecting allowed at Metaline Falls?+
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 Metaline Falls?+
A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.
When is the best time to visit Metaline Falls?+
The most comfortable months at Metaline Falls are March to October.
How do I get to Metaline Falls?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 48.87999, -117.37190 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Pend Oreille Mine Road.

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