Best Spots to Rockhound in NCW

If you're like me, then you know there's nothing like a finding a cool chunk of stone!

As a kid, I used to rockhound in numerous spots around my neighborhood near the base of Badger Mountain Road and find a wealth of different specimens, from sparkling pyrite to jet black obsidian with smears of bloody crimson.

As an adult, I still love rocks, minerals, and gemstones, and possess many of them, although nearly all of the ones I have now were purchased after someone else found them.

Yeah, sadly the environs surrounding my childhood home today are much better suited to looking for a house or a condominium to buy or rent and not the interesting rocks which used to cover its landscape.

But the good news for rock lovers like me is that we live in a very geologically rich part of the world for digging up, or even just stumbling across some incredible offerings from the bones of Mother Earth...

...and so I present you with a dozen great spots to hound for stones to put in your own collection that are right here in North Central Washington!

Now when you're out there, just remember to ask for permission if you want to go sniffing on private property or just stick to public lands.

BRIDGEPORT AREA EXPOSURE

Approximate GPS - 48.000249, -119.679779
What You'll Find - Jadeite

NESPELEM TO COULEE DAM, COLUMBIA RIVER SANDS

Approximate GPS - 48.039464, -118.982388
What You'll Find - Gold (placer)

GRAND COULEE AREA LAVA OUTCROP DEBRIS

Approximate GPS - 47.929658, -119.007152
What You'll Find - Opalized Wood

WATERVILLE AREA EXCAVATIONS, GRAVELS & DIGGINGS

Approximate GPS - 47.647389, -120.071503
What You'll Find - Opal (Common)

CHELAN FALLS AREA, COLUMBIA RIVER SANDS

Approximate GPS - 47.869542, -119.912176
What You'll Find - Gold (placer)