Best spot

Little Wood River: Agate & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Blaine County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Little Wood River is the strongest Blaine County pick because the same drainage is listed for green and moss agate by Idaho Department of Lands and has Mindat specimen records from the Little Wood Reservoir area. Its agate, chalcedony, and jasper add a useful south-central Idaho counterpoint to the better-known Owyhee localities. Reported finds include agate, chalcedony, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Little Wood River photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

5 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Blaine County
State: Idaho
Coordinates: 43.39252, -113.99737

Geology at Little Wood River

This spot sits on Alluvial deposits, mapped as gravel, sand, and silt that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Alluvial deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: gravel, sand, and silt
Elevation: 5,010 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Little Wood River

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 6°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PICABO station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Emerald Creek
Idaho Geological Survey
Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Little Wood River

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 Little Wood River.

Little Wood River FAQ

Where is Little Wood River?+

Little Wood River is in Blaine County, Idaho, at 43.39252, -113.99737.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Little Wood River?+

Little Wood River is reported to produce Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Little Wood River?+

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.

What tools should I bring to Little Wood River?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Little Wood River?+

The most comfortable months at Little Wood River are March to October.

How do I get to Little Wood River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.39252, -113.99737 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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