If you’re wondering where to mine for quartz in Washington, you’re in luck because there are several amazing places to explore. What’s more, our state boasts different types of this natural wonder.

Among our top recommended sites for your quartz exploration are Devil’s Canyon, Bald Butte, Gifford Pinot National Forest, Mount Olympus, and Denny Mountain. Truly, there’s no shortage of spots to start your search.

Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just starting, our diverse landscape offers a thrilling experience. From the mountains to the valleys, our state is filled with opportunities to discover the beauty of quartz.

Join us as we share more guaranteed sites to find quartz in Washington. Let the adventure begin!

What Is Washington Quartz Anyway?

Quartz is made of silicon and oxygen, two of the most common elements, which join together to make this shiny and hard crystal.

If you’re wondering how to identify quartz, it usually looks clear or can be a bunch of different colors like pink, purple, or even black. One way to spot it is by its shiny surface and its hardness; it’s tougher than a lot of other rocks.

Not only does quartz look beautiful in jewelry, but also used in watches, electronics, and even building materials. Its ability to handle electricity and heat makes it perfect for all sorts of gadgets and decorations. These uses influence the value of quartz.

While it’s commonly found in places like Brazil, the United States, and Madagascar, the truth is, it’s all over the place! You might even find it in your backyard. Mountains, beaches, and riverbeds are great spots to look if you’re on the hunt for it.

The Types Of Quartz Found In Washington

In your search for Washington quartz, below are the different types you have a chance of coming across:

• Rock crystals
• Smoky quartz
• Milky quartz
• Aventurine
• Quartz geode
• Ferruginous quartz

Aside from quartz, there are also different crystals in Washington that are just as stunning. Check out our guide to finding them if you’re curious about them.

The Best Places To Find Quartz In Washington

There are several gem mine sites in Washington that bear different rocks and minerals, but if you’re focused on finding quartz, below are our top recommended sites to explore:

Devil’s Canyon

Devil’s Canyon is a fantastic spot that feels like stepping into another world. It’s tucked away in the beautiful forests of our state. The canyon’s geography is rugged and wild, with steep cliffs, dense forests, and a river cutting through the landscape.

The terrain here can be a bit challenging, with rocky paths and steep slopes, but that’s what makes it exciting. Its geology is also especially fascinating for quartz lovers.

It’s located off the beaten path, so to go here, you’ll need to drive through some scenic routes of Washington. The best way to reach it is by going to the nearest town and then taking the local roads to the forested areas that lead to the canyon.

But before heading out, make sure to review Washington’s local collecting guidelines.

Where we found quartz in Devil’s Canyon

Quartz crystals are scattered throughout the rugged terrain of Devil’s Canyon, especially along the riverbeds and in areas with exposed rock formations. The steep cliffs and forested areas of the canyon also offer spots where you can find quartz.

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.

Bald Butte

Sitting high in the landscape, Bald Butte offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forests and mountains. The geography here includes rolling hills, open grassy areas, and patches of dense forest, providing a diverse environment for a day of adventure.

The terrain at Bald Butte is a mix of gentle slopes and more challenging rocky areas. As you walk along the trails, you’ll notice the ground is dotted with various rocks and minerals, but quartz is a real standout.

The region’s geology showcases a variety of volcanic rocks and sedimentary layers, with quartz veins running through them. These veins are the source of the quartz crystals found in the area.

Getting to Bald Butte is an adventure of its own. Located in a more remote part of Washington, the best way to get there is by taking a scenic drive through the countryside, followed by a hike or walk up to the butte.

Where we found quartz in Bald Butte

You can find fascinating pieces of smoky quartz if you explore the south side, area draws, and washes of Bald Butte.

Gifford Pinot National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest covers a huge area with mountains, rivers, and lots of green trees. It’s like stepping into a giant, wild garden where you can find all sorts of rocks, especially quartz.

It’s home to part of the Cascade Range, including Mount St. Helens, a famous volcano. The terrain here ranges from high mountain peaks to deep, lush valleys. The forest’s geology is rich with volcanic rocks and minerals.

Quartz in Gifford Pinchot National Forest can be found in many forms. Some areas even have quartz with interesting colors or patterns.

This place is located in southwest Washington and is accessible by car from major cities like Portland and Seattle. There are several entrances to the forest, with roads and trails that lead you into its heart.

Where we found quartz in the Gifford Pinot National Forest

You can find quartz between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. You might also see it sparkling on the ground as you hike through the trails, or you could find larger pieces of quartz in the creeks and riverbeds.

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the Olympic Mountains and is part of the Olympic National Park. It’s surrounded by beautiful forests, wild rivers, and lots of wildlife. It has everything from snowy peaks to rainforests.

Here, you’ve got steep climbs and rugged trails. The geology of this area is fascinating, with a mix of volcanic rocks and ancient formations. Among these, you can find quartz crystals hiding in the rocks.

These quartz pieces can range from tiny, sparkly gems to larger, clear crystals that catch the light just right.

The best way to start your journey to reach this place is by heading to Port Angeles. From there, you can take the Hurricane Ridge road to enter the Olympic National Park and follow the signs and maps to Mount Olympus.

Where we found quartz in Mount Olympus

You can find specimens of rock crystal if you search through the central part of the park, near the summit of Mount Olympus. Just take note that this area is reached only by many miles of rugged trail.

Denny Mountain

Denny Mountain is located near the famous Snoqualmie Pass, making it a great place to visit if you’re into skiing or hiking. But there’s more to it than just snow and trails.

The geography around Denny Mountain is pretty awesome. It’s surrounded by forests and has lots of streams running through the area. Its terrain can be a bit tricky with steep slopes and rocky paths.

This area is known for its beautiful quartz crystals. Some are clear like glass, while others might have a hint of color.

Reaching Denny Mountain is pretty straightforward. If you’re coming from Seattle, it’s about an hour’s drive to the Snoqualmie Pass area. Once you’re there, you can find trails that lead towards this mountain.

Where we found quartz in Denny Mountain

Search through the west side of Denny Mountain to find gorgeous pieces of rock crystals.

Other Great Places To Find Washington Quartz

If you want to know more guaranteed sites to find Washington quartz, below are the other spots you can visit:

Our recommendations by county

Common Quartz-Hunting Questions

As you prepare for your quartz hunting here, it’s important to know the answer to one of the most common questions asked by other rockhounds like you:

Is it illegal to collect quartz in Washington?

In Washington, the legality of collecting quartz depends on where you are and whose land you’re on.

On public lands, recreational rockhounding is generally allowed under certain guidelines that often limit the amount you can collect (usually for personal use only and not for commercial purposes) and prohibit the use of mechanical equipment.

National Parks, on the other hand, have stricter regulations, and removing any natural objects, including quartz, is typically not allowed. On private lands, collecting quartz without the landowner’s permission is illegal.

Being informed and respectful of the laws and guidelines ensures that rockhounding remains a sustainable and enjoyable hobby for everyone. For more information visit the Washington Department of Natural Resource (DNR) website.

The Best Places To Buy Quartz In Washington

Another great way to bring home Washington quartz is to visit our local rock and mineral shops. Below are some of our favorites:

• Celestial Awakenings – 6610 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98665
• Cove Crystals and Gifts – 510 SE Old Arcadia Rd, Shelton, WA 98584
• Crystal Lounge by Crystallography Gems – 2008 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
• Crystal Spirit – 3802 S Cedar St # B, Tacoma, WA 98409
• Manic Mermaid Minerals – 5020 Main St Suite M, Tacoma, WA 98407
• My Crystal Stop – 12120 N Market St, Mead, WA 99021