Graveyard Point Rockhounding (Oregon): 5 Tips For A Successful Trip

Graveyard Point is a wonderful location to find a wide array of rocks that you may not find elsewhere.

The following tips complied below are designed to ensure you have a trip that is both successful and fun.

Graveyard Point Rockhounding : Let’s Go

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Laws are updated. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material.

Introduction

Graveyard Point is on the border of Idhao and Orgeon, and is in Owyhee County.

The property is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which does allow rock collecting as long as a few rules are followed.

This location can be reached by vehicle or foot, and is home to a wide array of rocks.

1. Know What To Look For

Graveyard Point is home to various different types of rocks and stones, and knowing what these rocks are can help ensure you have a successful trip.

Graveyard Point Plum Agate

This agate is not like others, and features formations with a plume or feathery appearance.

This type of agate is formed in hotsprings long gone by microbes being responsible for creating these stunning formations inside the stone.

You can find these plum agates at Graveyard Point.

Angel Wing Chalcedony

This wing-shaped rock is covered in stalactite growths with a feathery appearance.

Jasper

Jasper is an opaque aggregate of quartz, chalcedony, and various other mineral phases.

It can be a wide array of colors, but is typically red, green, brown, or yellow. Very rarely, the rock is blue.

Thunderegg

The thunderegg are nodules filled with an agate.

They are found throughout the Western parts of the United States, and typically range in diameter from ¼ inch to 5 feet.

Thundereggs are also the state rock of Oregon.

2. Safety Is Not Something You Should Ignore

No matter where you go rockhunting, you should always take safety seriously, and Graveyard Point is no exception.

Let someone know where you are going. This is a good general rule no matter where you go. Letting someone know your whereabouts can help if you ever happen to get lost. Your friends and family will be able to tell people where to send help.

If you do get lost, stay put and wait for help to arrive. If you continue wondering around, you may find yourself even deeper into the wilderness.

Bring a friend and never go alone.

Take a map of the area with you and plan your route ahead of time.

Bring plenty of water and some light snacks.

Have a basic first aid kit with you.

Never go into abandoned mine shafts.

Make sure your cellphone is charged before going out.

Watch where you step. This will help you avoid cracks and holes in the ground, as well as wildlife, such as snakes.

Don’t bother the wildlife. If you do run across wildlife, keep your distance and don’t try to interact with them.

3. Understand The Rock Collecting Regulations

One of the most important aspects of rock hunting is knowing the rules and regulations for the area where you are collecting the rocks.

For Graveyard Point, it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Before collecting rocks from the property, make sure it is actually on Bureau of Land Management property and not private property.

Collecting on private property is illegal and you could be fined for trespassing.

As for collecting on property owned by the Bureau of Land Management, you can collect rocks without a permit as long as you follow these rules:

You are collecting the rocks for personal use and not to barter with or sell.

There are no signs stating that collection is restricted or prohibited.

The collection will not degrade public land.

Equipment used is limited to hand tools only.

No more than 25 pounds of rocks collected daily, and no more than 250 pounds collected for the year.

You fill any holes you make with dirt.

4. Bring The Right Tools

While veteran rockhunters no doubt know what to bring, if you’re new to the rock collecting game, you may not be aware of what tools will help ensure a successful trip.

Safety glasses

Short-handled shovel

Geologist’s pick or rock hammer

Bucket

Gloves

You should also bring, and put on, sunscreen to protect your skin from the sunrays.

As well as wearing long pants and sturdy boots. In addition, make sure to bring plenty of water so that you stay hydrated.

Being out in the sun for an extended period of time can leave you dehydrated if you’re not careful.

Make sure to take plenty of breaks and bring plenty of water during your excursion.

5. Know How and When To Go

Coming from Homedale, ID take US 95 south and drive until you reach Grave Point Road and turn right onto that road.

Drive for a little over 4 miles until you see a foot bridge.

You will need to park your vehicle and walk across this bridge. Continue on the trail until you reach the collecting area.

You can also reach Graveyard Point by turning onto Sage Road.

To use this route, start at Homedale, ID and take US 95 south.

Drive to Graveyard Point Road and turn right.

Drive for an additional 3.9 miles before turning left onto Sage Road.

Continue down this road for less than a mile until you reach the bridge.

Cross the canal, and then take the second left. There is a parking area where you can park your vehicle.

Keep in mind that, it is not ideal to go during periods of high rain, since wet weather conditions can cause the road to become impassable.

Instead, wait until a warm spring or summer day when there hasn’t been long periods of rain to make your trip to Graveyard Point.

Conclusion

Graveyard Point is an exciting location that can yield various types of rocks.

You can ensure you have a successful trip by planning ahead, bringing the right tools, knowing what rocks to look out for, and respecting the regulations put in place by the Bureau of Land Management.

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