Finding thunder eggs in Idaho can be hard, but it’s worth it when you do! Most of the time, these natural wonders are buried deep in rhyolite or volcanic ash, making it hard for people who don’t know about them to find them.
Also, they are often on private or restricted land, so you need permission to get to them. The hunt can become a waste of time without the right help, knowledge of geological formations, and rock-hunting skills.
But Idaho’s varied landscape gives people who want to find these hidden gems many chances. We’ve compiled a list of good places to look for thunder eggs, best practices, and even guided tours to help anyone who wants to find one.
If you take the right steps, finding these geological wonders can go from being a hard task to a very fun adventure!
What Are Idaho Thunder Eggs Anyway?
Thunder eggs are interesting rock formations that form when volcanoes erupt. Unlike most rocks, these unusual formations have a hollow center filled with minerals like quartz, agate, or even opal.
Once you’ve tried all of our suggestions but still want to find thunder eggs in other places, we’ve put together a guide on where and how to find more thunder eggs.
They are made when mineral-rich water flows into gas bubbles trapped between rhyolite or volcanic ash layers. Over time, the minerals crystallize in these spaces, making complicated and colorful patterns.
Popular with people who like to look for rocks, these natural wonders capture the imagination and give a tangible reward to those willing to go on an adventure to find them. The geological features of Idaho make it easy to find thunder eggs.
- 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 thunder egg 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 Thunder Eggs in Idaho
First, we’ll list the best places in the state where you can find thunder eggs. There are several places to find gems in Idaho, but only a few are good for thunder eggs. Even though some of these places aren’t well-known, we’ve always found great specimens when we visit.
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 directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Crutcher’s Crossing
Rock hunters in Idaho will find Crutcher’s Crossing a less well-known but advantageous place. This area is in the beautiful Owyhee Mountains and has a rough terrain with steep hills, narrow valleys, and rocky outcrops.
The land mainly comprises rhyolite and basalt formations made by volcanic activity. Because of the area’s unique geology, it’s a great place to find thunder eggs. The terrain here is challenging, often requiring four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate the unpaved roads.
Despite the challenges, Crutcher’s Crossing is still a great place to visit because it combines natural beauty and geological exploration. Those willing to make the trip and dig deep can find hidden, literally and figuratively breathtaking treasures.
Know the most recent rules about collecting from Idaho before bringing anything home.
Where we found thunder eggs at Crutcher’s Crossing
The area is accessible enough for day trips, offering plenty of digging spots known to house thunder eggs. Most are in rhyolite layers near ancient lava flows or volcanic ash beds.
Fir Grove
Fir Grove is an excellent place to live, tucked into Idaho’s beautiful geology. With its rolling hills and dense forests, this area is very different from the dry parts of the state that people usually think of.
Rivers and creeks have shaped the land over thousands of years. Even though the ground is primarily forested, some clearings and rock outcroppings make it an excellent place for rockhounds to explore.
The geology of Fir Grove is particularly conducive to the formation of thunder eggs. However, because of the area’s lush vegetation, locating these hidden gems may require more effort than barren landscapes.
Where we found thunder eggs at Fir Grove
You can find these interesting geological treasures in old volcanic ash and rhyolite layers, especially near the bottoms of ancient lava flows.
Rabbit Springs
In southern Idaho, Rabbit Springs is an interesting place with a unique geological and ecological landscape. Semi-arid hills and scrubland surround the area, but natural springs stand out against the dry environment.
Most of the land comprises rolling hills, shallow valleys, and small rock formations that show the area’s volcanic past. Rhyolite and basalt outcrops all over the area are evidence of volcanic activity in the past, which set the stage for several mineral phenomena.
With its unique mix of dry landscape and hidden mineral treasures, Rabbit Springs has both natural beauty and the promise of geological exploration, which brings in people who want to find new things.
Where we found thunder eggs at Rabbit Springs
To get to the best places, you usually have to drive on unpaved roads or take a moderate hike. They are often found inside rhyolite layers or near decomposed volcanic ash deposits.
Spencer Opal Mine
Spencer Opal Mine is a fascinating place to visit in eastern Idaho, near the border with Montana. There are rolling hills and grasslands in this area, and every once in a while there is a stand of coniferous trees.
The land is mostly made up of sedimentary layers of rock that have built up over millions of years. However, the region’s rich mineral veins make it stand out. The terrain comprises well-used paths that lead to excavation sites, so people of all experience levels can go there.
Spencer Opal Mine is a unique place where different types of geology and easy access come together. This is why both amateur rock hounds and professional geologists go there. Whether you want to find opals or thunder eggs, the mine is a wonderful place to learn and grow in a beautiful natural setting.
Where we found thunder eggs at Spencer Opal mine
Even though the site is best known for having a lot of opal, it also has a lot of thunder eggs, especially in places where volcanic rock is exposed. Beds of rhyolite and volcanic ash make it possible for these geological wonders to grow.
Willow Creek
Willow Creek is a beautiful place in central Idaho with a mix of riparian landscapes and rough highlands. Streams and rivers meander through the area, including the namesake Willow Creek, starkly contrasting the mountainous terrain around it.
Different parts of the area are at different heights, so the geography includes valley floors and rocky peaks. This gives you a wide range of landscapes to explore. Geologically speaking, Willow Creek has both sedimentary and volcanic rock formations.
It’s a great place to look for rocks because it has natural beauty and geological potential. Thunder eggs with beautiful agate or shimmering quartz inside make the area a must-see for people who want to find these hidden treasures.
Where we found thunder eggs at Willow Creek
Most of the time, these natural wonders are found near old lava flows or in volcanic ash and rhyolite layers. Because the land is so different, getting to good places to dig may require a moderate hike and the ability to move around on uneven ground.
Other Great Places To Dig For Thunder Eggs In Idaho
After telling you about our favorite places, we wanted to tell you about the rest of our list. Before discussing more general things, we’ll list our top choices for each county.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Owyhee | Bruneau Canyon |
| Owyhee | Marsing City |
Additional areas you should try
We want to help you search even more because there are so many places to look for thunder eggs in Idaho. There are a few important places where they are often found that you should look into.
Mines and mine dumps
Mines and mine dumps are great places for rock collectors to find minerals, ores, and even gemstones. Mining is all about digging deep into the Earth’s crust to reach geological formations that would otherwise be hard to get. This brings valuable and collectible rocks closer to the surface, making them easier to find.
Collectors are especially interested in mine dumps, piles of dirt, and rocks left over from mining. Over time, these dumps weather and break down, revealing a wide range of rocks and minerals that can be collected.
Quarries
Rock collectors are drawn to quarries because they are easy to get to and have exciting rocks. Quarrying is usually done to get specific rock types, like limestone, granite, or marble. This exposes large parts of the Earth’s crust in a way that isn’t usually seen in other places.
This process shows a lot of different minerals and rock formations that might have stayed hidden deep underground otherwise. Exposure to so many different geological layers gives collectors a great chance to find many kinds of rocks in a small area.
Rivers and riverbanks
Due to erosion and sediment movement, rivers, and riverbanks are great places for rock collectors to find interesting rocks. Over time, rivers cut through different types of geology, breaking up stones and carrying minerals downstream.
As the water moves, it sorts these things, leaving the heavier and more interesting ones along the riverbanks or in the riverbeds. Water can also polish rocks, which brings out their features and makes them look better to people who collect them.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks are constant places that move rocks from one place to another. This makes them great places to collect gems. Like rivers, these waterways wear away the land they flow through, uncovering and moving a wide range of rocks and minerals.
But it’s easier to find and collect specimens in streams and creeks because the water moves more slowly, and the depth isn’t as deep. Often, deposits build up in nooks, crannies, and bends where water speed slows down, revealing a variety of geological oddities.
Common Thunder Egg-Hunting Questions
It’s important to know the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about thunder eggs in Idaho, like:
Is it illegal to collect thunder eggs in Idaho?
In Idaho, you can collect thunder eggs if you follow the rules. If you’re on government property, make sure you’re following the local laws. If you’re on private property, make sure you have permission.
The Best Places To Buy Thunder Eggs In Idaho
Not everyone enjoys spending hours outside looking for thunder eggs. Sometimes, you only want a pretty thing to show off at home or add to your collection. Here are some more places to find beautiful thunder eggs:
- Earth Brite Rock Shop – 3506 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605, United States
- Idaho Bling Bling – 2071 E 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83404, United States
- Idaho Rock Shop – 204 Washington St, Gooding, ID 83330, United States
- Lovey’s Crystal Cottage – 175 S Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, United States
- Yellowstone Gem World – 116 N Bridge St, St Anthony, ID 83445, United States
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
