Calapooia River & Ames Creek: Geode Digging in Linn County, Oregon

Updated June 2026

Calapooia River & Ames Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Linn County, Oregon. Reported finds include banded agate, geode, silicified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Linn County
State: Oregon
Nearest road: Halsey-Sweet Home Highway
Postcode: 97386
Coordinates: 44.35142, -122.78895

Geology at Calapooia River & Ames Creek

This spot sits on ground mapped as water. Geodes typically weather free of their host rock and collect as rounded float in soils and drainages.

Mapped unit: water
Elevation: 550 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 Calapooia River & Ames Creek

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 47°F in winter to 82°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FOSTER DAM station (7 mi away).

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 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 Calapooia River & Ames Creek

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 Calapooia River & Ames Creek.

Calapooia River & Ames Creek FAQ

Where is Calapooia River & Ames Creek?+

Calapooia River & Ames Creek is in Linn County, Oregon, at 44.35142, -122.78895. Nearest road: Halsey-Sweet Home Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Calapooia River & Ames Creek?+

Calapooia River & Ames Creek is reported to produce Banded Agate, Geode, Silicified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Calapooia River & Ames Creek?+

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 Calapooia River & Ames Creek?+

Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.

When is the best time to visit Calapooia River & Ames Creek?+

Calapooia River & Ames Creek is workable year-round.

How do I get to Calapooia River & Ames Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.35142, -122.78895 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Halsey-Sweet Home Highway.

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Open Calapooia River & Ames Creek on the map

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