Klickitat River: Petrified Wood Rockhounding in Klickitat County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Klickitat River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Klickitat County, Washington. Reported finds include petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Klickitat County
State: Washington
Nearest road: State Route 142
Postcode: 98635
Coordinates: 45.75320, -121.20853

Geology at Klickitat River

This spot sits on alluvium, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: alluvium
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: sand and gravel
Elevation: 290 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 Klickitat River

Best months: January to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 45°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SNOWDEN station (8 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

Washington Geological Survey (DNR)
Stonerose Interpretive Center, Visit & rules
BLM Spokane District
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Klickitat River

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Petrified Wood Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Klickitat River.

Across the state line from Klickitat River

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

Klickitat River FAQ

Where is Klickitat River?+

Klickitat River is in Klickitat County, Washington, at 45.75320, -121.20853. Nearest road: State Route 142.

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

Klickitat River is reported to produce Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Klickitat 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 Klickitat River?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Klickitat River?+

The most comfortable months at Klickitat River are January to November.

How do I get to Klickitat River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.75320, -121.20853 in Google Maps. The nearest road is State Route 142.

More rockhounding in Washington

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Open Klickitat River on the map

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