The Joy of Rock Hunting on Oregon’s Coast
Ah, the Pacific Northwest! Home to bearded lumberjacks, lush green forests, and all the craft beer you can imagine. But for those truly in the know, it’s not just about the majestic pine trees or the world-renowned IPAs; it’s about the coast. This ribbon of sea, sand, and surf, running the length of the state from Astoria to Brookings, is nothing short of a rock hound’s paradise. Oregon’s diverse geological bounty makes it the ideal place for rock fossicking, and the coastline offers plentiful opportunities for finding those hidden gems.
Most Otherworldly Find: Agate Beach
First stop on our stroll down the coastline is the aptly named Agate Beach, tucked away in Newport. A part of the Newport tradition, locally known as ‘agate fever,’ this simple yet satisfying pastime of hunting for the translucent, rainbow-colored stones, brightens the stormswept winter days. During low tide and after a good rainfall, grab your boots and head to the sandy coastal stretch. You may find tiny agates playfully peeking out from the sandy floor, saying “Took you long enough, didn’t I?” Agate Beach surely makes one realize that the state’s beauty is not just above the ground.
Best Place to Find Fossils: Beverly Beach
Just a skip away from Agate Beach, Beverly Beach State Park drips with rugged coastal beauty and geographic drama — making it a top spot for fossil hunting. When those frequent Oregon rains come pounding down — and oh, they do — it’s not uncommon to find a fossil freshly released from its ancient resting place and deposited right at your feet. From remnants of ancient shellfish to preserved leaf imprints, the thrill of stumbling across a piece of history long hidden in the cliffs is honestly Oregon at its best.
A Quartz Collection: Oceanside Beach
As the highway bends around Tillamook Bay, it brings you to the small town of Oceanside. This picture-perfect town is home to a variety of local businesses, including the legendary Blue Heron Cheese Company, where you can devour the mouthwatering brie. But back to rocks. Oceanside Beach serves as a haven for quartz seekers. Remember to bring your shovel and sieve to separate these sparkling stones from the sand. The tide rushing over your feet, the distant call of sea birds, and the rewarding feel of quartz crystals in your hand provide a utopian Pacific Northwest experience.
Best For Petrified Wood: Depoe Bay
Next up is Depoe Bay, that little city proud of its ‘World’s Smallest Harbor’ title, but it’s not just the smallest anything that puts Depoe Bay on our list. It’s the perfect spot to hunt for petrified wood, wood that’s been fossilized and turned into stone over endless ages. After a storm (and in these parts, you know we have plenty), scour the coastline by the Whale Watching Center to find chunks of petrified wood strewn across the shore. Holding this relic of the earth’s history in your hand is as awe-inspiring as watching the infamous Depoe Bay spouting horn erupt with the high tide’s force.
All-Rounder Pick: Lincoln City
And finally, our all-rounder pick is Lincoln City. This coastal community makes beachcombing restorative. Between the Seven Miles of Smiles beach, a local favorite for beach picnics, and Roads End State Recreation Site, you might discover agates, jasper, petrified wood, and even the elusive Oregon sunstone. Lincoln City’s love for treasure hunting extends beyond rocks; each year, they hide hundreds of hand-blown glass floats along their beaches for the Finders Keepers event. Now isn’t that just quintessentially Oregon?
So there it is, fellow rock enthusiasts – a coastal journey that celebrates everything that makes Oregon the most loved corner of the Pacific Northwest. So grab your raincoat, pull on those boots, and get beachcombing. After all, the coastline is full of hidden treasures, and each beach is ready to tell its story, one stone at a time. But remember, while our beaches offer endless opportunities for treasure hunting, it’s our duty as Oregonians to respect the precious coastal ecosystems that these very same beaches foster. Happy hunting!