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ROCK HOUNDING

Some of the wonder found in Central Washington is right at your feet — in the rocks and minerals! Discover rock hounding in Central Washington: crystals, agate, and jasper, and more. Also, be on the lookout for petrified wood found in Ginkgo Petrified Forest, Umptanum Ridge, and more.

Explore Washington’s physical, cultural, and historic features in Central Washington!

Have you found a particularly neat geologic find on your previous Central Washington escapes? Tell us or show us!

First Creek Trail

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First Creek Trail is just northwest of Ellensburg and is rich in minerals. The trail is closed to motorized use October 15 through June 15 annually.

Green Canyon

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Created by the Palmer Course Design Company, Prospector is 18 holes of magnificent Mountain golf, featuring dazzling views, rolling fairways and fast, medium sized greens. While extremely playable for all skill levels, Prospector’s well-bunkered fairways and numerous water features present plenty of risk/reward challenges for the more accomplished golfer as well.

Operating Dates- May 16 – October 31

High Valley Ranch

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Petrified wood has been found in between Ellensburg and Thorp at High Valley Ranch. Most of the petrified wood in Washington grew during the Miocene Epoch, some 12 to 5 million years ago!

Lion Rock

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Crystals and Agate have been reported at Lion Rock. This area is bounded by Table Mountain to the east and the upper reaches of First Creek, Boulder Creek, Cougar Gulch and ridges to the west, the upper Swauk Creek to the north and Garrison Springs to the south.

Manastash Ridge Trail

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Manastash Ridge Trail is 4 miles out and back, located near Ellensburg. The trail is primarily used for birding, hiking & trail running and is accessible year-round. Quartz, Zeolites, Agate, Jasper, and Calcite can be discovered here.

Red Top

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This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. It has incredible views of the Stuart Range from the fire lookout which is usually open for visitors. Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. It is a beautiful area where hiking and picnicking are also available.
 
Take Highway 97 north just past Liberty. Take the first left after the Mineral Springs Resort on Blue Creek Road. After about 2 miles turn left onto Hovey Rd. Proceed down the trail to the lookout and other access points.
 

Reecer Creek

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Reecer Creek is a small body of water in Ellensburg. Here, there are traces of Crystals, Agate, and Jasper.

Ryepatch

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Located at Red Top Mountain Ryepatch is approximately 9 miles from Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Liberty in Kittitas County. Rhyolite is found here.

Saddle Mountain

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Saddle Mountain stands tall between the deep and broad canyon of Lower Crab Creek Coulee and the deep basin of the mighty Columbia River. Discover Opalized wood, Bog, Limbs, and Logs here!

Table Mountain

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Agate can be found at Table Mountain, one of the most spectacular landmarks of the Columbia River Gorge.

Teanaway River

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Teanaway River is home to Agate, Jasper, and Drusy Quartz. The name Teanaway basalt is used for the basaltic and andesitic rocks, and pyroclastic material north of Cle Elum and Ellensburg.

Umtanum Ridge

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Umtanum Ridge is a trail that leads out of Yakima and Umtanum Canyons, offering spectacular views of Mount Stuart, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood.