Chattaroy: Garnet & Quartz Rockhounding in Spokane County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Chattaroy is a mapped rockhounding spot in Spokane County, Washington. Reported finds include garnet, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Spokane County
State: Washington
Nearest road: North Crescent Road
Postcode: 99003
Coordinates: 47.88722, -117.35647

Geology at Chattaroy

This spot sits on Glaciolacustrine and flood deposits, mapped as sand and gravel 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: Glaciolacustrine and flood deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene)
Rock types: sand and gravel
Elevation: 1,680 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 Chattaroy

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DEER PARK AP station (7 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 Chattaroy

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 Chattaroy.

Across the state line from Chattaroy

Chattaroy 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.

Chattaroy FAQ

Where is Chattaroy?+

Chattaroy is in Spokane County, Washington, at 47.88722, -117.35647. Nearest road: North Crescent Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Chattaroy?+

Chattaroy is reported to produce Garnet, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Chattaroy?+

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 Chattaroy?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Chattaroy?+

The most comfortable months at Chattaroy are March to October.

How do I get to Chattaroy?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.88722, -117.35647 in Google Maps. The nearest road is North Crescent Road.

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