Bear Creek is a great destination for rockhounding enthusiasts, especially those interested in petrified wood. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) designation helps ensure this area is preserved while allowing for recreational rock collecting. The area is highlighted on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map, available for purchase.
Located 13 miles north of the small town of Brothers, Bear Creek provides easy access to explore and discover specimens, whether you're an experienced rockhound or a beginner. With the scenic beauty of Central Oregon surrounding the area, it makes for a perfect day trip or extended adventure.
If you plan to visit, it's always good to bring proper tools, a map, and water, as these remote areas can be rugged.
Bear Creek Rockhounding
Petrified wood at this site ranges in color from black, brown, white, and gray to yellow. Some pieces can display striking red hues. In addition to petrified wood, you can also find calcite, red and yellow jasper, quartz, and clear to blue agates.
Bear Creek features two major rockhounding sites:
Site 1 is the more accessible and, therefore, the more popular of the two. It covers 67 acres and borders fenced private land to the east, so be sure not to collect on private property.
While most of the petrified wood scattered on the surface is of lower quality, it often displays fascinating details such as growth rings, cellular structure, and external bark. For higher-quality specimens, digging 2 to 5 feet below the surface can yield better results.
You can start a new hole or continue digging an existing one, particularly focusing on the edges or deeper layers. The soil here is soft, which makes digging relatively easy.
Site 2 is a more challenging to access. The road is long, uneven, and bumpy, requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. However, this more secluded location offers the chance to find rarer and more unique materials.
This 474-acre site is located on public land, where you can explore in all directions along a one-mile stretch of road.
Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area
Bear Creek is primarily a rockhounding destination, with few other activities beyond searching for rocks. However, you can still enjoy hiking while collecting petrified wood and perhaps relax with a picnic after finding your best pieces.
This area is one of Central Oregon's well-known rockhounding spots, featured on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map. So, if you’re on a rockhounding adventure, Bear Creek offers plenty of opportunities.
Additionally, Bend, Redmond, and Prineville are nearby and can serve as a perfect pit spot to recharge, enjoy the culture, and explore.
Bear Creek | Facts
Material: Petrified wood, agate, jasper, quartz, and calcite
Tools: Shovel, Geology Pick
Land type: High desert
Best time to visit: May through October
Land manager: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Fees: None
Location: Ochoco National Forest • 40 miles southeast of Prineville • Oregon • USA
Road access: Any vehicle (4-wheel drive recommended)
Elevation: 4,000-4,250 ft (1,219-1,295 m)
Places to Stay Near Bear Creek
Primitive camping is allowed on public BLM land.
If you prefer more comfortable accommodations, you can stay in Prineville, 40 miles southeast, or Bend, 46 miles east.
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Bear Creek Directions & Contacts
From Prineville,
- Take Highway 27 and drive 33 miles to Bear Creek Road, 0.9 miles after you pass Little Bear Creek Road
- Turn left (east) onto Bear Creek Road and drive 5.3 miles to a dirt road on the left
- Turn left and follow 0.1 miles to the fork, bear right and continue 0.3 miles to a fence
- Open and close the fence behind you and drive 0.1 miles to the next fork where rockhounding signs are posted.
Site 1. From the fork, bear right and continue 0.5 miles to the pits on the left.
GPS (Site 1): N 43°56.450' W 120°37.146' | 43.940833, -120.6191
Site 2. From the fork, take the road on the left and go 2.5 miles to the south side of the collecting area. The designated rockhounding area is stretched next 1 mile along the road.
GPS (Site 2): N 43°57.629' W 120°36.516' | 43.960481, -120.608601