Exploring the state’s rugged terrain offers a unique opportunity to discover petrified wood, a fossilized treasure from ancient forests. With the right tips, you’ll be ready to embark on your own adventure and uncover these fascinating remnants of prehistoric life.

Knowing where to look and what to expect will increase your chances of spotting these remarkable pieces scattered across this great state’s terrain!

Petrified wood you can find in the US

In the United States, several types of petrified wood can be found, each with unique characteristics based on the original tree species and the minerals involved in the fossilization process. Here are some of the types you’ll be able to find.

Araucarioxylon

Found in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, this is one of the most famous types of petrified wood. It comes from an extinct species of conifer. As Arizona’s state fossil, Araucarioxylon holds a special place in the state’s natural history.

These trees once formed vast forests during the Late Triassic period, about 225 million years ago. The vibrant colors in this petrified wood come from minerals that replaced the original tree material over time.

Metasequoia

Often referred to as dawn redwood, this type of petrified wood can be found in various parts of the U.S., including the Pacific Northwest. Metasequoia was once thought to be extinct until living trees were later discovered in China.

Furthermore, its fine grain and reddish-brown color are characteristic features.

Palmoxylon

This petrified wood originates from palm trees and is often found in the Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana. Recognized as the state stone of Texas, Palmoxylon is abundant and holds cultural significance.

The wood’s unique speckled or dotted pattern comes from the vascular bundles of the original palm tree. These fossils date back to the Cretaceous period, when the area was tropical and teeming with life.

Taxodium

Also known as bald cypress, this petrified wood can be found in the southeastern U.S., particularly in areas that were once swampy. Taxodium wood is often found in places that were ancient swamps, where these trees thrived millions of years ago.

The wood is durable and shows intricate grain patterns, with growth rings and knotholes that tell the story of its long history. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the wet environments that once dominated the Southeast.

Sequoioxylon

Petrified wood from ancient sequoia trees, found in places like California, where sequoia forests once thrived. These trees are the ancestors of the giant sequoias that still stand in California today.

The petrified wood is notable for its large, straight grain and reddish color, reflecting the immense size and age of the original trees.

Ginkgoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient ginkgo trees, which can sometimes be found in states like Oregon and Washington. Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species on Earth, with fossils dating back over 200 million years.

Ginkgo petrified wood often has a light color and may show patterns similar to the fan-shaped leaves of the living ginkgo.

Dicotyledonous Wood

Found across various states, this type of petrified wood comes from broadleaf trees, making it more common and varied in appearance. You can spot dicotyledonous wood by the distinct vessels and growth rings that indicate seasonal changes.

This type of petrified wood is often found in regions that were once temperate forests, offering clues about the diverse plant life that existed millions of years ago.

Piceoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient spruce trees, commonly found in areas like Wyoming and Montana, where coniferous forests once thrived. Piceoxylon is known for its straight grain and pale color, often showing growth rings that tell the tree’s life story.

These trees were part of the ancient boreal forests that covered large parts of North America during cooler periods.

A Quick Request About Collecting

What Rough Petrified Wood Looks Like

Most of the photos you find of petrified wood are pieces that have been cut and polished. That is certainly useful but isn’t super helpful once you are out in the field. This is what you should look out for once you start hunting:

Exteriors like this

Every type of petrified wood has a different exterior and pattern but this is a good starting point on what to look for.

Texture and grain patterns

One of the most distinctive features to look for is the texture and grain patterns. Petrified wood often retains the original structure of the tree, including the grain, knots, and even growth rings. These patterns can appear similar to modern wood but are typically more rigid and fossilized.

Examine the surface for any linear patterns or striations that indicate the original wood grain. The texture may feel smoother or more polished in certain areas where mineralization has created a glassy effect.

Coloration and mineralization

The color of petrified wood can vary significantly due to the minerals that replaced the organic material during the fossilization process. Common colors include shades of brown, red, yellow, orange, and black.

Some pieces might even exhibit multiple colors in intricate patterns. These colors are often more vivid and diverse than those found in regular rocks. When inspecting potential petrified wood, look for these distinct and varied hues, which can indicate the presence of different minerals such as silica, iron, manganese, and others that contributed to the petrification process.

Bark and exterior features

Another telltale sign of petrified wood is the presence of bark impressions or external textures that resemble tree bark. These features are often well-preserved and can include the rough, fibrous texture of bark, knots, or other surface irregularities typical of natural wood.

The exterior of rough petrified wood may also have a weathered appearance, with cracks and fractures that occurred as the wood fossilized over millions of years. Look closely for these natural wood features, as they can be a strong indicator that you have found a piece of petrified wood.

Weight and density

Petrified wood is typically much heavier and denser than regular wood due to the mineralization process. When rockhounding, pick up the specimen to feel its weight. Even small pieces of petrified wood will feel significantly heavier than an equivalent-sized piece of non-fossilized wood.

This increased density is due to the replacement of organic material with minerals, making petrified wood feel more like a rock than wood. Comparing the weight and density of your find with known samples of petrified wood can help confirm its authenticity.

General Areas To Try First

Before we get into the specific places you should be looking we wanted to give you some more general advice. Once you get to your hunting area you should head straight for these areas if you want to have the best results:

Lakeshores

Lakeshores are like natural garbage cans because all things wash up and get left there over time. That includes wood that has turned to stone. As the water rises and falls, it carries sediment and rocks. It also takes the fossilized remains of trees from long ago.

Most lakeshores have a variety of rocks and minerals, which makes them an excellent place for petrified wood to grow and thrive. You’ll find a nice mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, the best sites for preserving wood fossils.

Roadcuts

When building roads, parts of the ground are often cut away to make a smooth path. The magic happens when the road cuts through layers of rock and soil. Petrified wood is often buried deep underground, and roadcuts let us see these underground wonders.

As workers blast through the rock layers, they accidentally find petrified wood that has been there for hundreds of years. Petrified wood is easy for collectors to spot because the exposed rock layers of roadcuts make it easy to see its unique patterns and colors.

Streams and creeks

Streams and creeks can move loose sediment away, which can reveal old wood that has turned to stone. As the water moves around, it exposes small pieces or even more significant amounts of petrified wood that have settled on the streambed.

Streams and creeks are more accessible for collectors because they are not as big. You can easily walk along their banks, jump from rock to rock, and look for petrified wood at the water’s edge.

River beds

Riverbeds are excellent for finding petrified wood due to their unique geological and environmental conditions. Rapid burial by sediments like sand, silt, and mud protects fallen trees from decay, initiating the fossilization process.

Mineral-rich waters flowing through rivers facilitate the replacement of organic material with minerals such as silica, turning wood into stone. Over time, erosion exposes these buried treasures, making them accessible for discovery.

This dynamic environment, with constant sediment deposition and mineral infiltration, creates ideal conditions for the formation and eventual exposure of petrified wood.

The tools every petrified wood hunter will need

When you're out looking for petrified wood having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. 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 petrified wood 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 petrified wood-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 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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.

The Best Places To Find Petrified Wood In Montana

Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, Montana offers plenty of opportunities to discover petrified wood. Let’s take a look at rockhounding spots in Montana, where you can find come across petrified wood as well as other geological treasures.

Gallatin Petrified Forest

The Gallatin Petrified Forest in Montana is a remarkable place! It’s located in the Gallatin Range, part of the Rocky Mountains, where towering peaks meet dense forests.

This area is famous for its petrified wood, showing off the ancient history of trees turned into stone.

Millions of years ago, this region was home to dense forests. Volcanic eruptions buried these trees under ash, and over time, minerals like silica replaced the wood, creating petrified logs.

You can still see tree rings and bark details, now frozen in stone.

The terrain here is rugged and wild, with steep slopes and dense forests. Hiking can be a bit challenging but oh, so rewarding! The area is well-marked with trails, so you don’t have to be an expert explorer to enjoy it.

Getting to the Gallatin Petrified Forest requires some travel, but it’s worth the journey. It’s accessible by car from nearby towns, and there are plenty of signs to guide you.

Wear some sturdy shoes and pack a lunch! Remember to tread lightly, respect the environment, and check out the Department of Environmental Quality’s collecting guidelines.

Where we found petrified wood in the Gallatin Petrified Forest

While the main trails give you a scenic tour, they won’t take you directly to the petrified wood. To find petrified wood, you’ll need to go off the beaten path.

Start by scouting cliffs with exposed rock faces. As the softer rock around them erodes, the petrified wood begins to show itself.

Yellowstone River

Stretching as the longest undammed river in the U.S., the Yellowstone River starts high up in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and winds its way through the scenic landscapes of Montana.

Flowing north and then east, it paints a stunning picture of Montana’s wilderness before joining the Missouri River.

The terrain along the Yellowstone is diverse. From mountainous regions with tall pines, it transitions to open plains where the sky seems to go on forever.

This river has carved through the land for ages, shaping the terrain and leaving behind fascinating geological stories.

Along its banks, you can find evidence of ancient volcanic eruptions and rocks that tell tales of times when seas covered the land.

Getting to the Yellowstone River is a breeze, especially if you’re in Montana. Roads often run parallel to the river, making it easy to find a spot to pull over, set up a picnic, or even cast a fishing line.

Plus, there are numerous towns and parks along its route that offer great starting points for your adventures.

Where we found petrified wood along the Yellowstone River

There are pieces of petrified wood scattered all along the Yellowstone River. Over time, much of the petrified wood has been carried away by the river, making it accessible for rockhounds.

If you’re eager to discover these gems, keep your eyes on the gravels of the riverbanks and in the riverbeds. A careful search in these areas could lead you to some fantastic pieces of natural history.

Jefferson River

Flowing through the southwestern part of the state, the Jefferson River is one of the main tributaries that form the mighty Missouri River.

Born from the meeting waters of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby rivers, the Jefferson River travels through valleys and canyons.

Picture wide valleys flanked by rolling hills and distant mountain peaks. These landscapes have evolved over millions of years.

If you look closely, the rocks along the riverbanks share secrets of ancient oceans, volcanic activity, and epic ice ages.

Geology buffs love the diversity of rocks and minerals you can find here. From sedimentary layers to colorful agates, there’s always a new story waiting to be uncovered.

If you’re thinking of visiting, you’re in luck! The Jefferson River is easily accessible from many parts of Montana. There are plenty of well-maintained roads and trails leading to its shores. Just hop in your car and follow the signs.

Where we found petrified wood along the Jefferson River

One top location is near Silver Star in Madison County. Here, the gravels along the Jefferson River are often home to hidden petrified wood.

Another great place to check out is the Twin Bridges area. The foothills near the Jefferson River have revealed many petrified finds in the past.

Big Horn County

Big Horn County is a remarkable place that showcases some of Montana’s diverse geology.

Geographically, Big Horn County is vast and varied, with expansive plains that give way to rugged mountains. The rolling hills are often spotted with sagebrush, and the mountains loom with forested slopes.

It’s this mix of terrain that hosts an array of unique rocks, minerals, and fossils. The geology of the area is rich, with sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock layers stacked over millennia.

Getting to Big Horn County is relatively easy. Major roads crisscross the region, making access simple whether you’re driving from within Montana or coming from out of state. Once you’re there, a world of exploration awaits.

For rock enthusiasts, the county provides ample opportunities for rockhounding, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Where we found petrified wood in Big Horn County

Firstly, in the Dunmore area, you can collect pieces along the Burlington-Northern RR tracks heading south towards Crow Agency. The east shore of the Little Bighorn River is also promising. 

Venture to the Fort Smith area, and you’ll want to scout upstream along both sides of the Bighorn River.

You can also search on both sides of the Whitman Coulee, especially upstream.

Lastly, go to the St. Xavier area. Explore both sides of the Rotten Grass Creek, especially upstream. This area is known to have lovely specimens.

Rosebud County

Rosebud County is located in the southeastern part of the state. It’s filled with diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged hills and wide-open plains to river valleys.

The rolling terrain offers a mix of grasslands and agricultural areas, with the majestic Yellowstone River winding through.

Geologically, Rosebud County is rich! You can find evidence of ancient seas, like fossilized shells and sea creatures. There are also layers of sandstone, shale, and coal, each telling its own story from millions of years ago.

The county’s geography is unique too. It’s home to natural formations, like rock arches, and offers wonderful spots for fishing, hiking, and exploring nature.

Getting to Rosebud County is a smooth ride. Major highways and roads crisscross the region, so whether you’re coming from a nearby city or a distant town, you’ll find the journey easy and scenic.

Where we found petrified wood in Rosebud County

Make sure to look along the west shore of Tongue River in Birney. Pay special attention to the mouths of tributaries, both upstream and down.

Big Porcupine Creek is another fantastic location. Don’t forget about Rosebud Creek; it’s a known hideout for petrified wood!

Lastly, the grand Yellowstone River also goes through this county. Make sure to check out its banks and riverbeds as well.

Other Great Places To Find Montana Petrified Wood

Our recommendations above aren’t the only places where you can find petrified wood in Montana. This state has a lot more to offer, and there are so many more spots that you can explore.

Common Questions About Finding Petrified Wood In Montana

To make sure that you have the information you need about Montana petrified wood, we’ve answered some common questions.

How old is petrified wood in Montana?

Petrified wood in Montana can be a real window into ancient times! This fascinating transformation of wood into stone can take millions of years, and in Montana, the age of petrified wood can vary widely.

Some of the petrified wood found in places like the Gallatin Petrified Forest and Yellowstone National Park dates back to the Eocene Epoch. That means it’s around 34 to 56 million years old!

Finding petrified wood in Montana is like holding a piece of ancient history in your hands. It’s a link to a time long past, and it tells the story of the ever-changing Earth we live on. It’s one of the many reasons why Montana is a geologist’s dream!

Can you find petrified palm wood in Montana?

While Montana is a hotspot for various kinds of petrified wood, petrified palm wood isn’t typically on the list.

Petrified palm wood is more commonly associated with places like Texas and Louisiana, where palms once thrived in the ancient coastal regions.

Montana, on the other hand, has evidence of different types of ancient forests. The petrified wood you’ll find there often comes from trees that lived in cooler, different climates than where palms would have grown.

When you search Montana’s landscapes, you’ll uncover pieces of ancient conifers, hardwoods, and other trees, but not palms.

The Best Places To Buy Petrified Wood In Montana

If you’re not really up for exploring the great outdoors to get your hands on a piece of petrified wood, you can buy one instead. Here are some of the best shops to buy Montana petrified wood:

• Alara Jewelry – 42 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
• Earth’s Treasures – 25 N. Willson Ave # B, Bozeman, MT 59715
• Windy Way Rock Shop – 5237 US-89 #13, Livingston, MT 59047
• Stones and Bones Lapidary Jewelry – 701 24th St W #1, Billings, MT 59102
• Crystal Limit – 119 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802