Finding thunder eggs in Washington State can be tricky without the right help. In the search for these treasures, adventurers often have to go to faraway places to find one.
Even though the state has a lot of geological formations that could lead to the discovery of these natural wonders, it takes local knowledge and a lot of research to figure out exactly where they are.
But there is still nothing like the thrill of finding a thunder egg (or thunderegg as some people spell it). These amazing treasures are a sight to behold! People who want to start hunting for thunder eggs in Washington State will be happy to know that there are many resources and guides to help them.
With the right tools and information, anyone who wants to find thunder eggs in the wild can turn their trips into fun geological treasure hunts!
What Are Washington Thunder Eggs Anyway?
Thunder eggs are round formations found in layers of volcanic rock, mainly rhyolite flows. In gas pockets in the lava, minerals like quartz, chalcedony, and agate build up, making them different from other rocks.
After going through all our suggestions below and still wanting to find thunder eggs in other locations, we’ve created a guide on where and how to find more thunder eggs.
Thundereggs crystallize over millions of years, creating intricate patterns and vivid colors. While they may appear unremarkable from the outside because they resemble regular rocks, cutting them open reveals their hidden beauty.
Highly valued by collectors and geologists, these natural wonders offer a tangible glimpse into the Earth’s geological history. Washington state’s geological formation makes it easy to locate thundereggs.
- 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 Washington
We’ll start by listing the best places where thunder eggs can be found in the state. There are many excellent locations where you can find gems in Washington, but only a few are suitable for thunder eggs. Even though some of these places aren’t well-known, we’ve always found great things when we want there.
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
Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek is a branch of the Skykomish River that mostly flows through the western Cascade Mountains. The creek flows through various landscapes, such as dense forests, steep canyons, and rocky outcrops.
It’s known for its beautiful scenery. The area around the creek has a complex geology with a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations. This shows that the area’s geology has changed a lot over time.
Even though the creek isn’t too hard to get to, it isn’t as popular as other natural attractions in the state. This means that you can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful time there.
Before you bring anything home, know the most recent rules about collecting from the State of Washington.
Where we found thunder eggs at Boulder Creek
You can find thunder eggs at the head of Boulder Creek in the Liberty area.
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is in the Cascade Range of the state. It’s best known as a ski resort, but it also has a lot of fascinating geology and nature. This mountain is about 76 miles southeast of Seattle and has a mix of alpine meadows, dense forests, and rough peaks.
The ski slopes are the main attraction in the winter, but the area is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the summer and fall. Even so, Crystal Mountain is still a great place for people who love the outdoors.
Its varied landscape and beautiful views make it a must-see for anyone who wants to see the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
Where we found thunder eggs at Crystal Mountain
Take the trail from Robinson Gulch up to the crest of Crystal Mountain. There are thunder egg specimens when you reach the mountain’s summit.
Green Mountain Road
Green Mountain Road goes through a beautiful part of Washington State and lets you get to the heart of Green Mountain’s many different landscapes. In the western part of the state, the road leads to various landscapes, such as coniferous forests, rolling meadows, and high points of view.
People who want to see Washington’s natural beauty can do many things in the area, such as hiking, watching birds, and mountain biking. Geologically, Green Mountain Road and its area comprise a mix of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
Where we found thunder eggs at Green Mountain Road
You can locate thunder eggs southeast of Green Mountain Road around Johnson Road.
Swauk Creek
Swauk Creek is a river that runs mostly through Kittitas County in the central part of the state. The creek flows through the eastern slopes of Cascade Range, where it passes through forests of conifers, open meadows, and rocky outcroppings.
Outdoor lovers have been coming to the area around Swauk Creek for a long time to fish, hike, and see the different kinds of natural beauty in the area.
Geologically, the creek is where sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are all found together. But the placer gold deposits may be the most interesting thing about it, since they bring in both prospectors and amateur geologists.
Where we found thunder eggs at Swauk Creek
Thunder eggs can be found in the creek’s vicinity near the volcanic Cascade Range.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Cascade Range. This landmark is known for its distinctive flat top. It has a variety of landscapes, such as alpine meadows, dense forests, and cliffs.
With elevations above 6,000 feet, it’s a popular place for hikers, nature lovers, and geologists drawn to the area’s diverse natural beauty and complex geological features.
Table Mountain has a lot of different kinds of rock formations, from layers of sediment to deposits made by volcanoes. It’s easy to get to via established trails. The mountain is a great place to spend time outside, whether you hike to the top to see beautiful views or look around for interesting rocks.
Where we found thunder eggs at Table Mountain
Exploring the trails of Table Mountain can yield to finding thunder eggs in the area.
Other Great Places To Dig For Thunder Eggs In Washington
Now that we’ve told you about our favorite places, we wanted to tell you about the other places on our list. Before discussing more general topics, we’ll list our top picks for each county.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Cowlitz | Kalama area, northeast on Cemetery Road in cliff |
| Kittitas | Cle elum area, northeast |
| Kittitas | Cle elum area, northeast to steel bridge; cross over and go left to Jack Creek sign. In the cliff and through the woods |
| Kittitas | Ellensburg area, 13 miles south on US-97 to parking area near footbridge; walk across the bridge and into the hills |
| Kittitas | Liberty area, at head of Williams Creek |
| Kittitas | Liberty area, walk up trail to Red Top Lookout |
| Kittitas | Liberty area, summit of Red Top Mountain |
Additional areas you should try
We want to assist you further in your search because the area to look for thunder eggs in Washington State is enormous. There are a few significant areas you should explore where they are commonly found:
Fresh rock exposures
Geologists and rock collectors are always looking for fresh rock exposures. Natural processes like erosion or human activities like mining and building roads often make these possible.
These sites offer a rare look at the Earth’s deep interior. They show rock layers and mineral formations hidden from view for a long time. Unweathered and mostly unchanged, the rocks at these fresh exposures often still have their original colors, structures, and mineral compositions.
Rivers and riverbanks
For several reasons, rivers and riverbanks are great places to look for rocks. First, water movement acts as a natural sorting system, bringing together many different kinds of rocks and minerals from different geological formations upstream.
The constant flow of water wears away rocks, revealing new thunder eggs and sometimes even hidden gems like agates or quartz. Rivers and riverbanks are usually easy to reach because they are near trails or public land. This makes them good places for collectors.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks are natural conveyor belts for geological treasures. This makes them great places for rock collectors and mineral enthusiasts. Most of the time, the water flow in these small waterways is not as strong as in rivers.
Having easy access to streams and creeks is a bonus. Unlike larger bodies of water, these places are usually manageable. Sometimes, you only have to walk a short distance from roads or populated areas to get to them. Their smaller size also makes it easier to explore a place entirely.
Washes and ravines
Washes and ravines are geological gold mines for rock collectors because they have various rocks formed by erosion and deposition. These landforms act like natural funnels for rocks and sediment, collecting a variety of materials from places upstream or uphill.
When water flows through these areas, it wears away the rocks around it and brings new rocks to the surface. This process often turns up valuable things that have been hidden for a long time.
Common Thunder Egg-Hunting Questions
It’s important to answer some of the most common questions about thunder eggs in Washington state, such as:
Is it illegal to collect thunder eggs in Washington?
As long as you follow the rules, collecting thunder eggs in Washington State is legal. If you’re on government property, ensure you’re following the local laws; if you’re on private property, ensure you have permission.
The Best Places To Buy Thunder Eggs In Washington
Not everyone likes to spend hours looking for thunder eggs in the outdoors. Sometimes, you only want something pretty to display at home or add to your collection. Here are some other places where you can find gorgeous thunder eggs:
- First Creek Treasures and Gifts – 17870 US-97, Cle Elum, WA 98922, United States
- Jerry’s Rock & Gems – 804 W Valley Hwy, Kent, WA 98032, United States
- Leavenworth rocks – 220 9th St, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
- MJ Rocks and Gems – Temporarily located at the Everett Mall, 16128 356th Ave SE, Sultan, WA 98294, United States
- Moore Than Rocks – 315 W Meeker St, Kent, WA 98032, United States
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
