Pullman: Fire Opal Rockhounding in Whitman County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Pullman is a mapped rockhounding spot in Whitman County, Washington. Reported finds include fire opal. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Whitman County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Gray Road
Coordinates: 46.78176, -117.04845

Geology at Pullman

This spot sits on Palouse Formation, mapped as loess that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Palouse Formation
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: loess
Elevation: 2,670 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 Pullman

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PULLMAN MOSCOW RGNL AP station (4 mi away).

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 Pullman

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

Fire Opal Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pullman.

Across the state line from Pullman

Pullman 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.

Pullman FAQ

Where is Pullman?+

Pullman is in Whitman County, Washington, at 46.78176, -117.04845. Nearest road: Gray Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pullman?+

Pullman is reported to produce Fire Opal.

Is collecting allowed at Pullman?+

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 Pullman?+

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 Pullman?+

The most comfortable months at Pullman are March to October.

How do I get to Pullman?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.78176, -117.04845 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Gray Road.

More rockhounding in Washington

See all 92 Washington spots →

Open Pullman on the map

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