Where to Find Agate in California

California agate is a Mojave Desert specialty. The Wiley's Well district in Riverside County yields red, plume, and brecciated agate near the Hauser geode beds, and the Cady Mountains in San Bernardino County produce flame agate and chalcedony nodules. The Lavic field east of Barstow adds red-and-black plume agate in basalt amygdules. Along the coast, the Trinidad and Agate Beach areas in northern California yield tide-worn carnelian and small banded agate after winter storms. Most desert agate is float on basalt and rhyolite slope wash; coastal agate concentrates in storm-cut gravel lenses. The most productive ground is in Wiley's Well district (Riverside County), Cady Mountains (San Bernardino County), Lavic field (San Bernardino County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like agate is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in California, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

Wiley's Well district (Riverside County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Cady Mountains (San Bernardino County), Lavic field (San Bernardino County).