Where to Find Agate in Idaho

Idaho agate is built on three classic localities. Bruneau agate, from the Bruneau River canyon in Owyhee County, is a green-and-white banded chalcedony with a distinctive fortification pattern, eroded from rhyolite cliffs along the canyon. Graveyard Point plume agate, on the Idaho-Oregon line in Malheur and Owyhee counties, yields red and green plume chalcedony in welded tuff. The Spencer opal mines in Clark County add common and precious opal alongside opalized agate. Smaller showings of moss and dendritic agate occur along the Snake River breaks. Most Idaho agate ground is on BLM land with daily personal-use collecting limits. The most productive ground is in Bruneau River canyon (Owyhee County), Graveyard Point (Owyhee County), Spencer (Clark County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like agate is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Idaho, 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.

Bruneau River canyon (Owyhee County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Graveyard Point (Owyhee County), Spencer (Clark County).