As the golden days of summer slowly give way to the crisp air of fall, many of us are itching to get out on the Oregon Coast and hunt for treasures along the beaches. However, seasoned rockhounds know that these seasons can be some of the toughest times for beachcombing. You might wonder why it's harder to find those coveted agates, jasper, and fossils during these warmer months. The answer lies in the very forces of nature that make winter and spring prime time for rockhounding.
The Oregon Coast road trip is a bucket-list adventure that promises stunning landscapes, charming towns, world-class beachcombing and a rich tapestry of coastal experiences.
From the rugged cliffs to the crashing waves, this picturesque journey offers a front-row seat to the beauty of the Pacific. Buckle up, roll down the windows, and join us on a virtual tour of the ultimate Oregon Coast road trip.
The Oregon Coast is a land of rugged beauty, where the meeting of land and sea creates a symphony of natural wonders. Among its many treasures, agates stand out as some of the most captivating and sought-after gems. Agate hunting along the Oregon Coast is a thrilling adventure that allows you to connect with nature, discover hidden gems, and experience the joy of finding these exquisite stones. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the magic of agate hunting along the stunning Oregon Coast.
Late summer and early fall is the PERFECT time to try creek or river rockhounding if you have never tried before. This time of year, water runs lower, exposing more of the creek or river bed and lowering water levels so you can see the treasures below!
Almost any rocky bottomed creek to river can provide unlimited treasure hunting if you know what to look for and how to look for it.
Ever wonder what exactly jasper is? Wonder how it forms? I get asked often and the answer is both simple and complex.
The simple answer: Jasper is a opaque silica based material with conchoidal or "shell-like" fracture (like how glass breaks) and a hardness of 7, which cannot be scratched with a steel pocket knife, just like quartz, why? it's got a high quartz content, the crystals in the material are crypto or microcrystalline quartz, so you can't see them but they are there and that is what gives the jasper it's strength.
The complex answer: jasper is NOT a scientific term. When labeling proper jaspers, scientists will label the specimen "cryptocrystalline quartz or microcrystalline quartz: variety jasper"