If you’re thinking of a place to find new treasures in, look no further than the state of Washington. Known for its diverse geography and rich geology, our state offers a unique and exciting opportunity for geode hunting. But with so many different areas to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. That’s where we come in!
We’ve done the research and visited some of the most promising areas here to create this comprehensive guide on the best spots to find geodes in Washington. From the different waterways and landscape of Lewis, Kittitas, and Cowlitz counties to the interesting features of Ellensburg and Walker Valley Geode Location, we’ve scoured our state for the most promising locations to find these beautiful natural wonders.
So grab your tools and get ready for some new discoveries. Let’s dive in!
What Are Washington Geodes?
Geodes are naturally occurring rock formations that have a hollow interior lined with crystals. They’re formed over millions of years when mineral-rich groundwater seeps into cavities in sedimentary and volcanic rocks. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals that slowly build up and form crystal layers. With Washington’s unique geology, the formation of geodes is pretty easy!
To identify this natural wonder, it would help to know what the outside of a geode looks like, and we’ve got you covered on this, too.
With their unique appearance and mesmerizing beauty, geodes are sought after by collectors and are used by many for their decorative purposes. Who would not be amazed by geodes?
The Types Of Geodes Found In Washington
Our state is lucky to have a wide variety of this natural wonder! How much a geode is worth depends on what kind it is. The following are some of the most notable ones you can find here:
- Agate geodes
- Amethyst geodes
- Blue Agate geodes
- Blue Chalcedony geodes
- Chalcedony geodes
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice geode enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Geodes in Washington
It’s no secret among gem collectors and enthusiasts that there are plenty great places to mine gems in Washington. While those places are definitely rich in gems, not all of them have geodes. That’s why we’re sharing with you the locations where you will surely find geodes in Washington. Are you ready?
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Lewis County
Lewis County, also called the “Gateway to Mount Rainier”, is a diverse place when it comes to geography, terrain, and geology. Everything from rolling hills to rocky mountains, dense forests to open prairies, and even volcanoes are here. Because of this geography, the county has rich reserves of rocks and gems— including geodes!
Getting here isn’t too hard, but it also isn’t a breeze to do so. You will have to drive along narrow, winding roads and hills for a bit. But once you get there, you’ll understand why it’s worth visiting.
And if you’ll go here to hunt for geodes, make sure to check the latest guidelines from the State of Washington.
Where we found geodes at Lewis County
Lewis County has tons of specific areas where you can find geodes. Some of the most prominent ones are the following:
- Newaukum River
- Cowlitz River
- West Adna
- Salmon River
- Centralia
- Chehalis River
- Mary’s Corner
- Pe Ell
- Toledo
The tools every geode hunter will need
When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The geode-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Northwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northwestern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Walker Valley Geode Location
Walker Valley Geode Location is quite popular among those who are into rockhounding and finding geodes. Tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the terrain of this place can be a bit rough, with lots of rocks and boulders to navigate around.
Since Walker Valley Geode Location is situated in an area that’s rich in volcanic activity, you’ll find all sorts of interesting rocks and minerals there. And of course, the main attraction is the geodes!
This place is off the beaten path, but if you’re up for an adventure, it’s definitely worth checking out!
Where we found geodes in Walker Valley Geode Location
About 15 kilometers east of Mount Vernon lies the Walker Valley Geode Location. Since the late 1960s, people have been collecting geodes from the rock formations of this place after an excavation for road construction material uncovered these natural wonders.
Kittitas County
If you’re into outdoor adventure and scenic views, Kittitas County is the place for you! Located in the central part of our state, it’s surrounded by mountains and rolling hills.
Its terrain is pretty diverse, with everything from high alpine meadows to rocky canyons. As for the geology, this county is home to some pretty interesting formations. There’s the Ellensburg Formation, which is made up of ancient volcanic rocks that are over 50 million years old.
So if you’re ever in the area and looking for some fun, Kittitas County is definitely worth a visit! If you’re coming from Seattle or Spokane, just hop on I-90 and you’re off to this amazing place.
Where we found geodes at Kittitas County
Kittitas County abounds in geodes, so if you’re here, chances are you’re near one! But if you’re planning to explore it deeper in search for geodes, the following are some of the best spots to do it:
- Ellensburg formation
- Red Top Mountain and Teanaway Ridge
- Middle Fork Teanaway River
- Liberty area
Ellensburg
Ellensburg is a charming little town nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Its geography is pretty diverse, with everything from rolling hills to towering peaks. Just look at its breathtaking photo!
This place is a bit rugged, with lots of rocky outcroppings and steep cliffs. As for its geology, Ellensburg is home to some pretty interesting formations. There’s the Ellensburg Formation, which is made up of volcanic rocks and sedimentary layers that are millions of years old. It’s known for having the highly-coveted Blue Chalcedony Geodes.
If you’re planning to visit here, hop on I-90 and you’ll be here in no time. So if you’re ever in the area and looking for a fun and interesting place to explore, Ellensburg is worth adding to your itinerary!
Where we found geodes in Ellensburg
The lava flows and weathering out of North Ellensburg is where you can find some of the most amazing geodes, including the sought after Blue Chalcedony Geodes.
Cowlitz County
Located in the southwest part of our state, Cowlitz County’s geography is pretty diverse, with lots of rolling hills and lush forests. The Cowlitz River also runs right through the middle of the county.
The terrain here is interesting, with some steep hills and rocky outcroppings. This county is home to some pretty interesting formations. There are also plenty of volcanic rocks and sedimentary layers that are millions of years old.
To go here, hop on I-5 and head south. And rest assured that you won’t run out of great small towns and scenic spots to explore along the way!
Where we found geodes at Cowlitz County
If you want to be sure you’ll find geodes in this county, we recommend exploring the following areas:
- Cemetery Road in Kalama
- Green Mountain Road to Johnson Road
- US-99 (I-5) to Cloverdale
Other Great Places To Dig For Washington Geodes
Washington is a treasure trove of geodes, so aside from the places we shared above, there are plenty more that we can recommend to you. We listed them down by county to make it easier for you. For locations where we put, “county wide”, we’ll provide more specific recommendations in the succeeding sections.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Chelan | North side of Negro Creek at the Davenport property |
| Cowlitz | County wide |
| Cowlitz | 1.5 miles Northeast on Cemetery Road in Kalama |
| Cowlitz | The east hills of Kalama |
| Cowlitz | 4 miles southeast on Green Mountain Road to Johnson Road |
| Cowlitz | 5 miles north on US-99 (I-5) to Cloverdale |
| Kittitas | County wide |
| Kittitas | In the lava flows and weathering out of North Ellensburg |
| Kittitas | Both sides of road of Red Top Mountain and Teanaway Ridge |
| Kittitas | In gravels of Middle Fork Teanaway River |
| Kittitas | In 2-square mile area of Liberty area |
| Lewis | County wide |
| Lewis | Along Rte. 6 to Lucas Creek at the tributary of the Newaukum River |
| Lewis | Along Lucas Creek tributary of the Cowlitz River at Morton area |
| Lewis | Area road cuts, banks of West Adna |
| Lewis | The regional stream gravels, cut banks of Centralia |
| Lewis | The gravels of the North Fork of the Chehalis River in Doty |
| Lewis | Area farm fields, stream gravels of Mary’s Corner |
| Lewis | Salmon River |
| Lewis | The regional stream banks and gravels of Pe Ell |
| Lewis | The regional stream banks and gravels of Toledo |
| Skagit | County wide |
| Skagit | Walker Valley Geode Location |
| Skagit | 14 miles east and southeast on paved road following Cascade River upstream |
Additional areas you should try
Our recommendations above that say “county wide” may be too broad for you, so we’re also sharing with you below the areas in those counties where you’ll surely find geodes.
Rivers and Riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are great areas to find geodes because the flowing water can help expose geode-bearing rocks (like basalt or limestone) that might otherwise be hidden underground. When water erodes away the outer layers of these rocks, it can reveal the hollow cavities where geodes form.
Additionally, rivers and riverbanks are often situated in areas with diverse geology, so you might find a variety of different types of geodes in one spot. How cool is that?
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are fantastic because they’re often located in remote, unexplored regions where geodes might be hiding just beneath the surface. Their waters can help expose the geodes by eroding away the outer layers of rock, allowing you to more easily spot them.
And just like rivers and riverbanks, you’re highly likely to find different kinds of geodes in one spot, which is always exciting!
Lake Beds
Most lake beds can be pretty secluded, which means its geode reserves might not have been well explored yet. Plus, if a lake bed was formed by a river, it’s likely that geodes have been exposed by erosion over time, making them easier to spot.
Lake beds also offer a unique range of rock types that may be different from what you’d find in a river or creek. This means that you’ll have the opportunity to find a whole new variety of geodes that you might not have come across before. If you’re after a unique find, this is where you should go!
Quarries
Quarries can provide access to rocks that are typically found deep underground. These rocks may have unique geode formations that are unlike the common ones. Plus, since quarries are usually actively mined, they can be constantly exposing new layers of rock, giving you a better chance of finding geodes that have been hidden away for millions of years.
If you’re lucky, you might even be able to get permission from the quarry owner to search for geodes in areas that are off-limits to the general public.
Common Geode-Hunting Questions
In this section, we’ll quickly answer some of the most common frequently asked questions of enthusiasts and collectors who are planning to find geodes in Washington.
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Washington?
The beauty of amethyst geodes is indeed captivating, so if you’re planning on finding one in Washington, you’re in luck! You can find amethyst geodes when you visit the east hills of Kalama in Cowlitz County.
Is it illegal to collect geodes in Washington?
If you comply with the local collecting laws, you’re good to collect geodes in Washington! Just make sure to follow local regulations for government lands and to get permission first before exploring any private lands here.
The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Washington
Hours of planning, trekking, and searching for geodes may not be for everyone. So if you want to get your hands on geodes the easier way, we got you!
Here are some of the best local shops where you can purchase geodes:
- NW Rockhounds – 2720 NE 115th St., Seattle, WA 98125
- Amazon – You’ll be surprised at how vast the selections of geodes are on Amazon. You can even find helpful kits to crack them open!
- Agate Designs – 317 NW Gilman Blvd ste 15, Issaquah, WA 98027
- Crystallography Gems – 650 S Orcas St Ste 218, Seattle, WA 98108
- Earthlight Rocks, Gems, and Minerals – 7713 Center Blvd SE #180, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
- Wild Earth Rocks – 11607 State Route 302 NW, Suite B, Gig Harbor, WA 98329
- Magickal Earth – 1522 Cole St, Enumclaw, WA 98022
- J-Cubed Fine Minerals – 1200 Harris Ave Suite 306, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Mystical Wares – 17869 WA-536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Additional places to find geodes in nearby states
Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
