Can I go rockhounding in Oregon/Washington?
Rockhounding is one of the recreational pursuits on 16 million acres of lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington. Rock hounds collect small quantities of rocks of different kinds for cutting and polishing or as mineral specimens. Polished stones are sometimes made into jewelry or simply kept for display as mementos of enjoyable collection trips. The Bureau of Land Management does not charge fees for collection of small, non-commercial quantities of rock taken by rock hounds in pursuit of their hobby. Gathering or collecting for the purpose of sale or barter is prohibited, unless specially authorized. Rock hounds are welcome to collect rocks and gemstones from most federal lands, but there are some exceptions. Some lands are withdrawn or reserved for certain purposes such as outstanding natural areas, research natural areas, recreation sites, national historic sites, etc. Rockhounding on recorded mining claims is not advised without the mining claimant’s c
