Fossil Hunting near Burns, OR
13 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Burns report fossil. The closest is Stinkingwater Creek, about 30 miles out (37 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Burns
Stinkingwater CreekHarney County, Oregon · 30 mi awayCheck locally · Petrified Wood, Agate, Jasper +1- North Beede ReservoirHarney County, Oregon · 31 mi awayCheck locally · Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper +2
- North Beede ReservoirHarney County, Oregon · 31 mi awayCheck locally · Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper +2
- Delintment LakeHarney County, Oregon · 36 mi awayCheck locally · Ammonite Fossil, Fossil
- Warm Springs ReservoirHarney County, Oregon · 38 mi awayCheck locally · Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper +2
- Warm Springs ReservoirHarney County, Oregon · 39 mi awayCheck locally · Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper +2
- Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 3Malheur County, Oregon · 45 mi awayCheck locally · Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper +2
- Warm Springs Reservoir - Site 4Malheur County, Oregon · 45 mi awayCheck locally · Agate, Plume Agate, Jasper +2
- Beulah ReservoirMalheur County, Oregon · 51 mi awayCheck locally · Fossil, Agate
John Day RiverGrant County, Oregon · 68 mi awayPublic access · Fossil, Petrified Wood- Pike CreekHarney County, Oregon · 75 mi awayCheck locally · Thunderegg, Jasper, Agate +3
- John Day River & StreamsWasco County, Oregon · 111 mi awayPublic access · Fossilized Fern
- Wheeler High School Fossil BedsWheeler County, Oregon · 113 mi awayFee dig · Fossil
Types of fossils reported near Burns
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Fossil12
- Ammonite Fossil1
- Fossilized Fern1
Fossils near Burns FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Burns?+
13 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Burns report fossil. The closest is Stinkingwater Creek in Harney County, roughly 30 miles away (37 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Burns?+
2 of the 13 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible, and 1 is a fee-dig site where you pay for access and keep your finds. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Burns do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 30 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 113 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Burns
Fossil Hunting near other cities
Hunt fossils around Burns with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
