Bear River: Psilomelane & Pyrolusite Rockhounding in Franklin County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Bear River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Franklin County, Idaho. Reported finds include psilomelane, pyrolusite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Maple Grove Road
Postcode: 83283
Coordinates: 42.32735, -111.71583

Geology at Bear River

This spot sits on Fluvial and lake sediment, mapped as fine alluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit: Fluvial and lake sediment
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: fine alluvium
Elevation: 4,930 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 Bear River

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GRACE station (16 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 Bear 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 Bear River.

Across the state line from Bear River

Bear River is close enough to the Idaho border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Bear River FAQ

Where is Bear River?+

Bear River is in Franklin County, Idaho, at 42.32735, -111.71583. Nearest road: Maple Grove Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bear River?+

Bear River is reported to produce Psilomelane, Pyrolusite.

Is collecting allowed at Bear 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 Bear River?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Bear River?+

The most comfortable months at Bear River are March to November.

How do I get to Bear River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.32735, -111.71583 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Maple Grove Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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Open Bear River on the map

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