Bear River Range: Galena & Malachite Rockhounding in Cache County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Bear River Range is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cache County, Utah. Reported finds include galena, malachite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cache County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 41.63284, -111.66786

Geology at Bear River Range

This spot sits on ground mapped as St. Charles Formation that formed roughly 495 to 470 million years ago. Copper minerals typically show as green and blue staining where mineralized rock has weathered and oxidized.

Mapped unit: St. Charles Formation
Age: 495–470 Ma (Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician)
Elevation: 6,300 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 Range

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LOGAN UTAH ST UNIV station (10 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

BLM Utah, Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey, collecting guidelines
SITLA, surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Bear River Range

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 Range.

Across the state line from Bear River Range

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

Bear River Range FAQ

Where is Bear River Range?+

Bear River Range is in Cache County, Utah, at 41.63284, -111.66786.

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

Bear River Range is reported to produce Galena, Malachite.

Is collecting allowed at Bear River Range?+

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 Range?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Bear River Range?+

The most comfortable months at Bear River Range are April to October.

How do I get to Bear River Range?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.63284, -111.66786 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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Open Bear River Range on the map

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