If you’re excited about finding jasper with beautiful colors and unique patterns, Idaho won’t disappoint you. A great part of finding it here is the adventure of exploring the great outdoors.
In this article, we’ll share with you the premium spots to find jasper in Idaho. Luckily, these places also have breathtaking views, such as the North Fork Big Lost River, Salmon River, Fish Creek Reservoir, Clearwater River, and Bruneau Canyon.
Ready to spot this beautiful gem? So are we! With a little patience, a keen eye, and the right guidance, you could be holding a piece of our state’s natural beauty in your hands.
What is Idaho Jasper Anyway?
Jasper, a part of the quartz family, is not your everyday rock. It’s unique because of its amazing colors and patterns, which makes identifying jasper possible with a glance. No two pieces of this gem are exactly the same.
It’s used for making jewelry because it’s so pretty and colorful. Some people also think it has healing powers, like bringing peace and comfort. Whether it’s true or not, it’s cool to think about the value of jasper for many.
You can find this gem in many places around the world. It’s often discovered in areas with volcanic rocks and ash.
Countries like India, Russia, Egypt, and the USA, especially Idaho, are known for their jasper. Rockhounds, both beginner and pro, go on adventures here, hoping to find this gem.
The Types Of Jasper Found In Idaho
The variety of jasper in our state is amazing! Here are the different types that you have a chance to uncover when you’re searching for it:
- Red jasper
- Yellow jasper
- Green jasper
- Blue jasper
- Bruneau Canyon jasper
- Jasper with sillimanite
- 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 rock 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 Jasper
There are many gem mine sites in Idaho that you can visit if you want to find different rocks and minerals, but here are our most recommended ones if you’re set on finding beautiful jasper pieces:
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.
North Fork Big Lost River
North Fork Big Lost River flows through a stunning landscape filled with mountains, valleys, and forests. It’s in central Idaho, snuggled in the Pioneer Mountains. This area is known for its rugged terrain, which includes steep hills and rocky outcrops.
It was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, which has left behind a variety of rocks including jasper. You might find it in shades of red, yellow, or even green.
If you’re eager to explore this place, the best way to reach the North Fork Big Lost River is by car. From the town of Mackay, you can take the scenic Trail Creek Road, which leads to the heart of the mountains. As you drive, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Pioneer Mountains.
But don’t forget to review Idaho’s local collecting guidelines before heading out here.
Where we found jasper in the North Fork Big Lost River
There are various spots along the North Fork Big Lost River and its nearby trails where you can start your hunt for jasper. Remember to always respect the natural environment as you go on your exploration.
The tools every crystal hunter will need
When you're out looking for crystals 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 crystal miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding supplies 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 crystal-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.
Salmon River
Salmon River, known as “The River of No Return,” runs through some of the most beautiful parts of Idaho. It’s famous for its clear waters, deep canyons, and exciting rapids.
This river winds through different types of terrain: tall, rugged mountains, dense forests, and wide open valleys. Its geology is a mix of ancient rocks formed millions of years ago. This is what makes the area a great place to find jasper.
To get here, you can start from the city of Salmon. From there, you can drive along the Salmon River Scenic Byway. This route is not only a path to your rock-hunting adventure but also a journey through some of our most stunning landscapes.
Where we found jasper in the Salmon River
You can explore the sands and gravels on both sides of the Salmon River and all its tributaries to find specimens of jasper.
Fish Creek Reservoir
Nestled in the Camas Prairie region of south-central Idaho, Fish Creek Reservoir offers a fascinating geological landscape.
Surrounding the reservoir, you’ll find a mix of rolling hills, flat plains, and rocky outcrops. This variety in terrain is thanks to the area’s volcanic past. This volcanic activity has also left behind a rich geological treasure trove.
The jasper found here is distinctive, with hues that can range from fiery reds to earthy yellows.
Fish Creek Reservoir is located near the town of Carey. If you want to visit, you can take a short drive south from Carey to reach it.
Where we found jasper in the Fish Creek Reservoir
There are accessible areas along the shoreline and nearby trails of Fish Creek Reservoir where you can start your search for red and yellow jasper pieces.
Clearwater River
Located in northern Idaho, Clearwater Creek is part of the larger Clearwater River Basin, known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and clear, fast-flowing waters. It’s not just brimming with stunning scenery; it’s also a treasure trove of rocks and minerals!
The geography around this creek is a mix of dense forests and open meadows, with the stunning Bitterroot Mountains nearby. It offers everything from gentle slopes to rugged, rocky areas.
Thanks to ancient volcanic activity and the movement of glaciers long ago, the area around Clearwater Creek is a prime spot for finding jasper.
To get here, your journey will start in the town of Orofino. From there, you can follow the Clearwater River upstream. The drive itself is scenic, with lots of beautiful views along the way.
Where we found jasper in the Clearwater River
Keep your eyes peeled for jasper with sillimanite inclusions as you explore the gravel bars along the Clearwater River between the town and Dent.
Bruneau Canyon
Bruneau Canyon is located in the southwestern part of our state. It’s known for its breathtaking views and impressive geological features.
The canyon itself is a deep gorge carved out by the Bruneau River. It’s surrounded by high cliffs and rugged terrain. The area around it is a mix of desert landscapes and volcanic rock formations. It’s these volcanic activities from long ago that have made Bruneau Canyon an exciting place for finding jasper.
In fact, it has its own variety called the Bruneau Canyon jasper, which is known for patterns that are reminiscent of landscapes or abstract paintings. These can include bands, streaks, spots, and even what looks like scenes or images.
To reach this area, start your journey in the town of Bruneau. From there, you can drive towards the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, a great starting point for your exploration.
Where we found jasper in the Bruneau Canyon
You can search for Bruneau Canyon jasper at the various spots along the rim and in the nearby area of the Bruneau Canyon. Be sure to bring your hiking gear, as some of the best spots might require some trek.
Other Great Places To Find Jasper
Looking for more options? We got you! Below are more premium spots that you can explore to find jasper in Idaho:
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Ada | Many localities and prospects along county roads |
| Bear Lake | Boulder Prospect |
| Bear Lake | Humming Bird Mine |
| Blaine | Hailey Mining District |
| Blaine | Little Wood River |
| Blaine | Little Wood Reservoir |
| Bonner | Carpie Prospect |
| Butte | Daisy Black Mine |
| Cassia | Black Pine Mining District |
| Clark | Scott Mine |
| Custer | Mackay Mining District |
| Idaho | Slate Creek |
| Idaho | McKinsey Creek |
| Idaho | South in South Fork |
| Idaho | Highway 95 Roadcut |
| Jefferson | Snake River Gravels-Rigby area |
| Lemhi | Iron Dyke Mine |
| Lemhi | Blue Boar Prospect |
| Lemhi | Iron Mask Mine |
| Lincoln | Wood River |
| Nez Perce/td> | Lewiston |
| Owyhee | Entire region of the Bruneau Desert |
| Owyhee | Lucky Boy Group |
| Valley | Wild Dream Prospect |
| Valley | White Metal Prospect |
| Washington | Standard Specularite Prospect |
| Washington | Snake River |
| Washington | Sturgill Creek Mine |
Laws about collecting jasper
Collecting jasper and other rocks on public lands in Idaho is generally allowed, but it’s important to know the rules.
On Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and most national forests, you can collect small amounts of jasper for personal use without a permit. However, there are limits to how much you can collect, usually around a bucketful per day. It’s illegal to collect rocks for commercial purposes without a special permit.
Additionally, on private lands, you must get permission from the landowner before collecting any rocks.
Always check the specific regulations of the area you’re visiting, as some places might have stricter rules or be protected areas where collecting is not allowed. Respecting these rules helps preserve these natural resources for future generations.
For more information, you may consult with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The Best Places To Buy Jasper
If you prefer a faster and easier way of finding and taking home Idaho jasper, you can also visit our local rock and mineral shops. Here are some of our faves:
- Astro Gallery – 3525 E Longwing Ln #190, Meridian, ID 83642
- Johnson’s Gems & Collectibles – 418 6TH STREET, 611 Cedar St, Wallace, ID 83873
- Stewart’s Gem Shop – 2618 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
- Stringer’s Gem Shop – 1812 W Orchard Ave, Nampa, ID 83651
- Yellowstone Gem World – 116 N Bridge St, St Anthony, ID 83445
