Best spot

Yellowstone River (Billings area) — Rockhounding in Yellowstone County, Montana

The Billings reach of the Yellowstone River is a benchmark Montana agate setting, where river gravels carry chalcedony, jasper, chert, and dendritic moss agate. Mindat records agate from Yellowstone County, and regional visitor and BLM guidance both point collectors toward public-land surface collecting rather than quarry or fee-pit material. Reported finds include montana agate, chalcedony, chert, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Yellowstone River (Billings area) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material, with source and license attribution.

2 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Yellowstone County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Highway 312
Postcode: 59037
Coordinates: 45.90541, -108.31735

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Montana — Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Yellowstone River (Billings area)

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Yellowstone River (Billings area).

Across the state line from Yellowstone River (Billings area)

Yellowstone River (Billings area) is close enough to the Montana border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Yellowstone River (Billings area) FAQ

Why is Yellowstone River (Billings area) one of the best rockhounding spots in Montana?+

Where is Yellowstone River (Billings area)?+

Yellowstone River (Billings area) is in Yellowstone County, Montana, at 45.90541, -108.31735. Nearest road: Highway 312.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Yellowstone River (Billings area)?+

Yellowstone River (Billings area) is reported to produce Montana Agate, Chalcedony, Chert, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Yellowstone River (Billings area)?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

How do I get to Yellowstone River (Billings area)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.90541, -108.31735 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Highway 312.

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