A Rockhound's Guide to Oregon & Washington

An authoritative, colorful guide to the best rockhounding sites in Washington and Oregon, written by a true gem--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.

Author: Alison Jean Cole
Binding: Paperback
Page Count: 251 - 500
Language: English
Dimensions: 5.5" x 7.5"

Located in Seattle, WA, and founded in 1960, Mountaineers Books is the nation's leading independent nonprofit publisher of outdoor recreation, lifestyle, and conservation books. We have more than 700 titles in print and distribute the books of other like-minded outdoor publishers.

Alison Jean Cole is a lapidary artist, licensed guide and avid rockhound based in Portland, Oregon. She is a fount of knowledge and one of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet.