RockHoundR
Back to map

Near Saxon Falls: Calcite & Chlorite Rockhounding in Iron County, Wisconsin

Public accessBest spot6 mineralsIron County, WisconsinUpdated July 2026
Minerals reported
6
Elevation
950 ft
Best months
April to October

The Montreal River gorge below Saxon Falls exposes Keweenawan basalt whose gas cavities are lined with zeolite minerals. The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey records prehnite and thomsonite here, along with calcite, epidote, laumontite, and chlorite in the amygdaloidal flows. The falls sit on a hydroelectric project with a public overlook and parking, so the loose float along the public river access is the practical collecting ground. Reported finds include calcite, chlorite, epidote, laumontite, prehnite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Nearest road
Saxon Falls Road
Postcode
54559
Get directionsView on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Access note: Reach the Saxon Falls public overlook and parking via Saxon Falls Road off County Highway B. The gorge outcrops are steep and partly on utility land, so collecting is best limited to loose float along the public river access below the falls. Do not scale the dam structures or wet rock ledges.

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.

Best time to visit Near Saxon Falls

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SAXON 1WSW station (4 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Geology at Near Saxon Falls

This spot sits on Keweenawan Supergroup: Porcupine Volcanics, mapped as andesite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit
Keweenawan Supergroup: Porcupine Volcanics
Age
1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types
andesite
Elevation
950 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.

Today's weather

Is today a good day to go?

The app shows live weather, recent rain, and a daily rockhounding score for Near Saxon Falls.

Get the app

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.

Found at Near Saxon Falls

Each name 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 Near Saxon Falls.

Across the state line from Near Saxon Falls

Near Saxon Falls 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.

Near Saxon Falls FAQ

Where is Near Saxon Falls?+
Near Saxon Falls is in Iron County, Wisconsin, at 46.53557, -90.37873. Nearest road: Saxon Falls Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Near Saxon Falls?+
Near Saxon Falls is reported to produce Calcite, Chlorite, Epidote, Laumontite, Prehnite, Thomsonite.
Is collecting allowed at Near Saxon 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 Near Saxon Falls?+
A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.
When is the best time to visit Near Saxon Falls?+
The most comfortable months at Near Saxon Falls are April to October.
How do I get to Near Saxon Falls?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 46.53557, -90.37873 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Saxon Falls Road.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

See all 92 Wisconsin spots →

Open Near Saxon Falls on the map

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
QR code that opens RockHoundR in your phone's app store
Get directionsDirections