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Bald Butte: Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Whitman County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Bald Butte is a mapped rockhounding spot in Whitman County, Washington. Reported finds include smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Bald Butte in Whitman County, Washington

Quick details

Access
Public area

Best time to visit Bald Butte

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 25°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PULLMAN MOSCOW RGNL AP 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:

Found at Bald Butte

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 Bald Butte.

Across the state line from Bald Butte

Bald Butte 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.

Bald Butte FAQ

Where is Bald Butte?+
Bald Butte is in Whitman County, Washington, at 46.63157, -117.08787.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Bald Butte?+
Bald Butte is reported to produce Smoky Quartz.
Is collecting allowed at Bald Butte?+
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 Bald Butte?+
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 Bald Butte?+
The most comfortable months at Bald Butte are March to October.
How do I get to Bald Butte?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 46.63157, -117.08787 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Washington

See all 100 Washington spots →

Open Bald Butte on the map

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