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Deer Lake: Pyrite Rockhounding in Stevens County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Deer Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Stevens County, Washington. Reported finds include pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Deer Lake in Stevens County, Washington

Quick details

Access
Public area

Geology at Deer Lake

This spot sits on Revett Formation, mapped as quartzite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this commonly hosts vein and replacement mineralization, and old workings typically mark the productive zones.

Mapped unit
Revett Formation
Age
1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types
quartzite
Elevation
3,320 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 Deer Lake

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DEER PARK AP station (11 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 Deer 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 Deer Lake.

Across the state line from Deer Lake

Deer Lake 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.

Deer Lake FAQ

Where is Deer Lake?+
Deer Lake is in Stevens County, Washington, at 48.11074, -117.55305.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Deer Lake?+
Deer Lake is reported to produce Pyrite.
Is collecting allowed at Deer 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 Deer Lake?+
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 Deer Lake?+
The most comfortable months at Deer Lake are March to October.
How do I get to Deer Lake?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 48.11074, -117.55305 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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