Opal Butte — Rockhounding in Morrow County, Oregon
Opal Butte is noted for hyalite and several gem opal varieties, including rainbow, contra luz, hydrophane, crystal, fire, and blue opal. That range, documented in gemological literature and Mindat locality records, makes the permission-required Morrow County site one of Oregon's more distinctive opal occurrences. Reported finds include hyalite opal. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Opal Butte photos
Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material, with source and license attribution.
Map showing Opal Butte in Morrow County, Oregon
Quick details
- Access
- Permission required
- County
- Morrow County
- State
- Oregon
- Coordinates
- 45.04372, -119.61342
Land & collecting status
Permission required before collecting
Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.
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:
- BLM Oregon/Washington — Rockhounding & mineral material
- Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department — beach collecting rules
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Opal Butte
Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.
- Hyalite OpalEncyclopedia →
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Opal Butte.
- General AreaMorrow County, Oregon · 20 mi awayNodules Filled With Opal
- John Day RiverGrant County, Oregon · 38 mi awayFossils, Petrified Wood
- John Day River & StreamsWasco County, Oregon · 43 mi awayFossilized Ferns
- AntelopeWasco County, Oregon · 56 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Geode
- Whistler SpringTop pick in OregonCrook County, Oregon · 57 mi awayThundereggs
- Desolation CanyonCrook County, Oregon · 59 mi awayThundereggs
- Orofino Mine areaGrant County, Oregon · 59 mi awayAgate, Jasper, Gold
- AshwoodJefferson County, Oregon · 60 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Geode
Across the state line from Opal Butte
Opal Butte is close enough to the Oregon border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.
Opal Butte FAQ
Why is Opal Butte one of the best rockhounding spots in Oregon?+
Where is Opal Butte?+
What rocks and minerals can you find at Opal Butte?+
Is collecting allowed at Opal Butte?+
How do I get to Opal Butte?+
More rockhounding in Oregon
See all 72 Oregon spots →Open Opal Butte on the map
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