A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington

by Alison Jean Cole

Features 60 outstanding rockhounding sites
Emphasizes rockhounding basics, sustainable collecting, and Leave No Trace principles
Each location features an overview of the area’s geologic history along with what types of rocks and fossils you may find

The Pacific Northwest’s complex geologic history makes it a treasure trove for rockhounds. Collected here are 60 sites where you can explore ancient sea-floors, epic lava flows, glacier-carved landscapes, and evidence of 200 million years of tectonic action. Discover agates and jaspers in the volcanic Cascade Range and marine fossils along the Oregon Coast. Search for concretions along the Olympic Peninsula, petrified wood in the Owyhee Uplands, and much more.

In addition to detailed information on where exactly to begin a rock hunt, every location features an overview of the area’s geologic history and age, what types of rocks are worth finding there, needed tools, land manager, and collection limits. Clear driving directions with GPS coordinates, road quality and trip safety information, best season to go, and an informative map round out each description.

"Whether you are a geology enthusiast or a die-hard rockhound, a fine arts jeweler or a lifelong pebble puppy, I wrote this book with every type of rock-lover in mind. Out here, interesting rocks are everywhere. Let’s go find them."--FROM THE INTRODUCTION

312 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Wil Fish Fishyfish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, well laid out, tons of additional resources in the back of the book. All the information you need to plan rockhounding trips in Oregon or Washington. Each location has GPS coordinates, directions, road quality and season to visit.
The author puts emphasis on intentional collecting, being aware of what you're extracting and whether you actually need to take *all* those rocks. I appreciated the thoughtfulness.