Agate Hunting: Where to Find Agates in Oregon

Agates are semi-precious quartz stones that can be found among the rocks and shells on Oregon beaches. These beautiful gems come in a variety of colors and patterns and are formed through heat and pressure. They are dense and hard enough that they can be polished to a gleaming finish, making them an attractive choice for rock collectors. Collecting agates is free of charge. There is a one-gallon limit for collecting per day along the Oregon coast.

To locate agates, visit coastlines with cliffs that have been worn down by winter storms. The most sought-after agates typically appear in white to colorless layers, and special designs such as angel wing or tube agate are highly prized. In some cases, the agates contain beautiful patterns made up of minerals and other substances, such as dendrites or sagenites, that look like small plants.

The Best Time to Find Agates in Oregon

For the best chance of finding agates, visit Oregon beaches during low tide when the rocky areas are exposed. Agates form on beach cliffs and are then carried down to gravel bars and polished by the sand and ocean. High tide is not ideal for agate hunting. The best season to search for these stones is winter to early spring, when storms have moved them around the rock beds and intertidal sand.

How to Recognize an Agate in Oregon

Check the rock that you’ve just gathered. Is it waxy or glossy in appearance? Agates, jasper, and gemstones have a unique shine that sets them apart from regular sandstone and basalt. They can be one solid color, have stripes of minerals, and even crystals.

When wet, the colors of these stones become brighter and easier to spot. Shine some light on the wet rocks to make agates stand out. Agates are typically less dense than other stones found on Oregon beaches, so looking at the area where the waves have just been is ideal for finding them. Agates are more likely to move up with the waves rather than stay in one spot like the weightier basalts.

Where to Find Agates in Oregon—21 Best Places

Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful agates in the world. Its beaches, rivers, and creeks are filled with a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of agates. The state’s mild climate and abundance of semi-precious stones make it an ideal place to search for agates. With access to so many agates, collectors and rock hounds alike can find an impressive variety of agates in Oregon.

1. Manzanita

Manzanita, Oregon, is a beautiful beach town on the Oregon Coast, known for its stunning beaches and rugged coastline. With an array of stunning beaches, rocky outcroppings, and tide pools to explore, Manzanita provides a unique and exciting outdoor experience.

It is a great place to go agate hunting, with plenty of rocks and tide pools to explore. Agates can be found along the shoreline, and there are many spots to search for unique specimens. Additionally, Manzanita offers plenty of great restaurants and shops, making it a great spot for an afternoon of agate hunting and beachcombing.

2. Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, situated close to Portland, is a popular destination for people from the city looking for a weekend retreat. Those searching for agates in the summer months may be disappointed, as there is too much sand covering any visible gravel. However, timing your search with outgoing tides can improve your chances. Arcadia Beach and Hug Point have proven to be the best spots for agate hunting near Cannon Beach.

3. Short Sands Beach

Short Sands Beach (or Oswald West) is a peaceful beach that you can access after a brief hike. The trail is easy enough for kids, and there are restrooms at the parking area and beach. The two creeks, Short Sand Creek and Necarney Creek, flow into the ocean here and provide rockhounding material for seekers of agates, jasper, and “jasp-agate” pieces. Strong waves often make this beach a popular spot for surfers, but they also bring up interesting stones for agate hunters to explore.

4. Cape Meares

Visiting Cape Meares, a small coastal community situated on the western side of Tillamook Bay, will give you access to numerous miles of beach. This location is not heavily trafficked, so it is a great place to go agate hunting in Oregon. You can find agates, jaspers, and unique zeolite samples here. It is best to walk south of the town towards the rocky cliffs for the best materials. Additionally, along Bayocean Road along Tillamook Bay, there are ancient seabeds with a variety of marine fossils.

5. Wilson River

The Wilson River is a 33-mile-long waterway that empties into Tillamook Bay near Tillamook. There are many sections of the river with access to explore, and some of the smaller rivers that feed into it contain agates that have been washed down from the nearby Coastal Mountains. Summertime is the best time to search here since the water levels are lower, and it is easier to explore the gravel bars. Venturing away from the beach and exploring the banks of the Wilson River is a great way to find agates in Oregon.

6. Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site

Oceanside, Oregon, is a beautiful coastal town in Tillamook County. It has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, beautiful mountains, and majestic forests. Oceanside is the perfect place to relax and explore nature.

Short Beach in Oceanside is a great spot for agate hunting. Be sure to visit Three Arch Rocks! 200,00 seabirds live in the wildlife refuge there. You can see cormorants, common murres, and tufted puffins. If you follow the Three Capes Scenic Route, you can make agate-hunting into a beautiful day drive along the coast.

7. Lincoln City

If you’re looking for agates in Oregon, one of the best spots is Logan Road off of Highway 101 near the casino in Lincoln City. The area has restrooms, picnic tables, and beach access for several miles in either direction. Make sure to check the tide charts, as the best spot can only be reached during low tide. You can find agates ranging from clear, yellow, and orange carnelian, as well as green, yellow, and red jaspers. You may even spot petrified wood. Be prepared for some rock scrambling, and have an eye on the tide charts so you don’t get stuck! Afterward, there are lots of fun activities to explore, such as bookstores, art galleries, the casino, and, of course, plenty of delicious food to eat.

8. Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is an Oregon town with a lot of character. It has seven miles of beaches, making it ideal for travelers who want to relax in the coastal atmosphere and search for agates.

There are plenty of attractions nearby, including the Tillamook Air Museum, which showcases vintage airplanes and other exhibits. This is an excellent destination for families and outdoor adventurers.

9. Nehalem River Shores

Nehalem, Oregon, is a beautiful small town on the Oregon coast, nestled between the magnificent Nehalem River and the towering sea cliffs. Its tranquil beauty and rustic charm are unparalleled. The lush green forests, crystal-clear rivers, and rocky shores make for a stunningly picturesque landscape.

The river is filled with a variety of fish, and its majestic beauty draws many visitors to the area. Wildlife is also abundant, with deer, elk, and a variety of birds living in the surrounding woods. The town is full of quaint shops and eateries, and its friendly residents make for a welcoming atmosphere. Nehalem, Oregon, is an ideal spot for those seeking agates, especially deep red, yellow, and orange carnelian.

10. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area

Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area is located 3 miles north of Depot Bay. You can easily access it from Highway 101. There are two turnoffs, “North Fogarty Creek” and “South Fogarty Creek,” that will lead people to the beach. The beach has wonderful amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and parking. The trail under the highway takes visitors to the beach, which is a popular spot but still offers a sense of privacy and tranquility.

Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area is a great spot for jasper and agate hunting in Oregon. The creek brings in a lot of material during the winter and spring, and it is easy to find small pieces of jasper on the south side of the creek. This is a great place to bring the kids for an agate hunting adventure.

11. Newport

If you’re looking for agates near Newport, Oregon, your best bet is to visit South Beach State Park. It’s located about three miles south of the town center and is easy to get to via Highway 101. Once you’re there, there’s a large parking area and a restroom for your convenience. You’ll also have plenty of beaches to explore, starting at the South Jetty at Yaquina Bay and going all the way down past the Newport Airport.

Newport is one of the best places to go agate hunting in Oregon and even the world. It is a popular destination along the coast, so there are many agate hunters, but don’t worry. There is still an abundance of agates for everyone. Winter storms and the ever-changing tides bring in new agates for collectors.

12. Ona Beach

Ona Beach State Park, situated nine miles south of Newport, is an excellent spot to see agates in Oregon. The two-mile stretch of seashore heading towards Seal Rock is especially renowned for its beachcombing opportunities. Here, collectors can find a wide array of agates, including some rare blue specimens, as well as jaspers of various colors such as red, yellow, brown, and green. Additionally, this beach is home to many fossils, such as clam fossils and shark teeth.

13. Smelt Sands State Recreation Site

Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is located on the Oregon Coast in Yachats. It is situated on the rocky beach of the Pacific Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and crashing waves. This unique coastal park offers visitors a variety of activities, including beach combing, surfing, boating, fishing, and hiking. It has sheltered picnic sites, restrooms, and a boat ramp for launching boats. The park also has a variety of wildlife, including sea birds, seals, and whales.

If you’re desperate to get your hands on an agate, Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is a great place to start. You can always find a few smaller ones here, though they won’t be huge. Just be mindful of the hazardous shoreline.

14. Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint

At Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, you can take in the breathtaking sights of the hills, mountains, and rivers. The clear blue sky and rolling hills in the distance make this spot the ideal spot to relax and take in the natural beauty surrounding it. Located 4 miles south of Yachats, this access is a great place to explore and search for agates in Oregon. Cummins Creek, Gwynn Creek, and Little Cummins Creek all flow into the ocean at this location.

15. Strawberry Hill Wayside

Head to Strawberry Hill Wayside, located five miles south of Yachats, Oregon, for a great opportunity to search for agates. The shoreline is full of rocks and has exposed gravel beds that are prime spots for finding agates. Get there early, or make sure to time it right with the tide since other agate hunters may be looking as well. It is a popular destination for skilled beachcombers.

16. Bob’s Creek Beach

A mere 5.6 miles south of Yachats is Bob’s Creek Beach, a favorite spot for Oregon residents. This beach offers both agate hunting and outstanding tide pools with a wealth of marine life, such as starfish, octopuses, mussels, anemones, and crabs. It is an ideal destination for families with children.

17. Stonefield Beach State Recreation Site

Stonefield Beach State Recreation Site has two small gravel parking lots situated north and south of the bridge at Tenmile Creek, which is off of US 101. This beach is a great place to explore and potentially discover large agates if conditions are favorable. Many folks have found pretty large agates at this location.

18. Whiskey Run Beach

The magnificent Whiskey Run Beach, located along the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, may not appear to have anything special at first glance. However, this beach stretches for miles and is near Seven Devils State Recreation Area and Agate Beach. This spot is particularly abundant in minerals, making it an excellent place for human treasure hunters to find agates in Oregon.

19. Gold Beach

Agate hunting in Gold Beach, Oregon, is a great place to search. The gravels here tend to be larger than other areas, so you can find agates that are bigger than usual. You can also find other stones such as white, yellow, green, and red, as well as brecciate jasper with interesting veins running through it. You can also find petrified wood here. During winter months, glass art floats are hidden from the Rogue River jetty to Kissing Rock above the high tide line. Be sure to keep an eye out for them amongst the grass and driftwood between February and April.

20. Otter Point State Recreation Site

The south Oregon coast is home to a secret paradise near Gold Beach known as Otter Point State Recreation Site. At this spot, nature lovers can witness stunning views from Otter Point and access Agate Beach and Bailey Beach. Agate Beach is an excellent locale to discover agates, jasper, and petrified wood. Due to its low traffic, it can be a very profitable place to search.

Situated on a high promontory, Otter Point provides a scenic view of the ocean with its striking sea stacks and two sandy beaches. It is an ideal place to observe a variety of wildlife, such as oystercatchers who live there throughout the year and black turnstones that stay from autumn to early spring. In addition, visitors may be able to spot sea lions or whales if they are in luck.

21. Lower Rogue River

Exploring along the Rogue River, which flows from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean in Oregon, can be a great way to find rocks like agates, quartz, jasper, and petrified wood.

Agness Bar is a gravel stretch at the junction of Illinois and Rogue Rivers that is well-known for its wealth of these stones. Summer is the best time to visit when water levels are low.

Lobster and Orchard Bars are two giant gravel bars located 10 miles upstream from Gold Beach that also offer a good chance to find agates and other minerals. To reach these sites, take Jetty Flat Road out of Gold Beach for 10 miles.