Mabton: Petrified Wood & Opalized Wood Rockhounding in Yakima County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Mabton is a mapped rockhounding spot in Yakima County, Washington. Reported finds include petrified wood, opalized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Yakima County
State: Washington
Coordinates: 46.16308, -119.98071

Geology at Mabton

This spot sits on Touchet Beds, glacial Lake Missoula, mapped as outburst flood deposits, sand and silt, and late wisconsinan that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: Touchet Beds, glacial Lake Missoula
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene)
Rock types: outburst flood deposits, sand and silt, and late wisconsinan
Elevation: 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 Mabton

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 26°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PROSSER station (11 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 Mabton

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 Mabton.

Across the state line from Mabton

Mabton 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.

Mabton FAQ

Where is Mabton?+

Mabton is in Yakima County, Washington, at 46.16308, -119.98071.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mabton?+

Mabton is reported to produce Petrified Wood, Opalized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Mabton?+

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 Mabton?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Mabton?+

The most comfortable months at Mabton are February to November.

How do I get to Mabton?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.16308, -119.98071 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Washington

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Open Mabton on the map

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