Pine River Reservoir: Quartz & Kyanite Rockhounding in Florence County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

Pine River Reservoir is a mapped rockhounding spot in Florence County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include quartz, kyanite, hematite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Florence County
State: Wisconsin
Postcode: 54121
Coordinates: 45.83279, -88.26403

Geology at Pine River Reservoir

This spot sits on Dacite and volcanogenic graywacke, mapped as dacite that formed roughly 2050 to 1800 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: Dacite and volcanogenic graywacke
Age: 2050–1800 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: dacite
Elevation: 1,230 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 Pine River Reservoir

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 3°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FLORENCE station (7 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Pine River Reservoir

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 Pine River Reservoir.

Across the state line from Pine River Reservoir

Pine River Reservoir is close enough to the Wisconsin border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Pine River Reservoir FAQ

Where is Pine River Reservoir?+

Pine River Reservoir is in Florence County, Wisconsin, at 45.83279, -88.26403.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pine River Reservoir?+

Pine River Reservoir is reported to produce Quartz, Kyanite, Hematite.

Is collecting allowed at Pine River Reservoir?+

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 Pine River Reservoir?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Pine River Reservoir?+

The most comfortable months at Pine River Reservoir are April to October.

How do I get to Pine River Reservoir?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.83279, -88.26403 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

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Open Pine River Reservoir on the map

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