Oregon’s forests, beaches, and meadows are full of valuable things you can pick and use. From tasty mushrooms to healing plants, our state offers many natural treasures for people who know where to look. The hunt for these wild goodies connects us to nature and can even put money in your pocket. Many foragers search … Read more
I’ve been rock hunting in Oregon for years now. The forests and hills hide some sweet spots where labradorite waits to be found. My first piece came from a small creek bed when I wasn’t even looking for it. Most folks think you need to go to Canada or Madagascar for good labradorite. Not true. … Read more
Morel season in Georgia doesn’t last long, but you can make the most of it while you can. These mushrooms are some of the most sought-after wild finds, but they don’t grow just anywhere. Knowing the best places to look for morels is the best way to make sure you don’t waste valuable time during … Read more
Oregon’s rich mining history isn’t just about gold. Many don’t know that the state’s volcanic past created perfect conditions for gemstones, including beautiful sapphires. Looking for sapphires can be tricky, especially if you’re new to rockhounding. There’s nothing worse than spending hours searching in the wrong spots, only to go home empty-handed. We’ve done the … Read more
Oregon’s volcanic past has blessed the state with some incredible mineral deposits. While many know about our famous sunstones, few realize that diamonds have been found here too. Looking for diamonds isn’t easy – it takes time, patience, and most importantly, knowing where to search. We’ve spent months researching and talking to local geologists and … Read more
Maine’s rich mining heritage dates back to the 1800s when gold was first discovered in Swift River. Local prospectors still pull out impressive nuggets from these historic waters, with some finds weighing up to several grams. Many rockhounds waste countless hours searching in spots that haven’t produced gold in decades. The biggest mistake is following … Read more
Nebraska isn’t traditionally known for gold mining, but the Platte River’s sandbars have yielded countless gold flakes since the first discovery in 1831. These finds triggered several small-scale gold rushes that brought hopeful miners to the state. However, many rockhounds give up too quickly, focusing only on well-known spots or following outdated information. They waste … Read more
New Mexico’s gold mining legacy dates back to the 1800s, with the Old Placers Mining District alone producing over 350,000 ounces of gold. The state’s rich mineral deposits, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, have drawn prospectors for generations. Many rockhounds waste countless hours searching in picked-over locations or areas with minimal gold deposits. The biggest … Read more
Iowa’s ancient river valleys and glacial deposits have been quietly hiding gold deposits for millions of years, with some of the largest findings reported along the Des Moines River during the 1850s gold rush. Many rockhounds give up too quickly, thinking Iowa isn’t worth their time for gold prospecting. They often waste hours at popular … Read more
Oregon’s rich gold mining history dates back to the 1850s, with over 360 tons of gold extracted since then. The state’s diverse geology, from the Cascade Mountains to the Klamath Basin, offers a treasure trove for gold seekers. Many rockhounds make the mistake of focusing solely on well-known spots, overlooking hidden gems scattered throughout the … Read more