Located about 55 miles from Prineville, Congleton Hollow is a popular destination for rockhounds searching for petrified wood. The site is recognized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a recreational rock and mineral collecting area and is also featured on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map, available for purchase.
Covering approximately 640 acres, Congleton Hollow offers opportunities to find opalized petrified wood and limb casts in shades of blue, pink, and green.
Despite its long-standing popularity, Congleton Hollow still offers opportunities to find material on the surface.
The hills and creek beds are good places to search for specimens.
Congleton Hollow Rockhounding
Congleton Hollow is known for opalized petrified wood and limb casts in blue, pink, and green shades.
Some of the most desirable specimens are large pieces of petrified wood replaced by agate, jasper, or quartz.
Exceptional specimens may feature quartz crystal cavities, dendritic inclusions, or intricate banding patterns.
To find the best pieces, explore the hills and creek beds. These areas are generally dry during the summer, while wet weather can make unpaved roads and access routes more difficult to travel.
The GPS coordinates below mark the central point of the location and the primary collection area. From there, follow the approximately 0.7-mile access road and explore along the route, including suitable branch roads. If you are looking for larger pieces of petrified wood, you may need to explore farther from the main road.
The rockhounding area is bordered by BLM-managed land to the east and north, while private property lies along the southern boundary. Nearby Dendrite Butte is another interesting destination for rockhounds, particularly those searching for limb casts.
🔵 The roads leading to Congleton Hollow are rugged and uneven, and they can become muddy during wet weather, making 4WD vehicles highly preferable for the trip.
🟡 The high desert environment can be challenging, so be sure to prepare thoroughly before venturing out.
Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area
Congleton Hollow is mostly a rockhounding site with limited adventures. However, the area can be great for hiking, picnicking, and primitive camping.
Additionally, Bend, Redmond, and Prineville are nearby and can serve as a perfect pit stop to recharge, enjoy the culture, and explore.
Congleton Hollow | Facts
Material: Limb casts, petrified and opalized wood
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: 60 miles southeast of Prineville • Oregon • USA
Road access: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended
Elevation: 4,000 ft (1,219 m)
Places to Stay Near Congleton Hollow
Primitive camping is permitted on BLM land.
You can book a stay in Prineville, 60 miles east, or Bend, 85 miles east if you want more comfortable accommodation.
Affordable short and long-term vacation rentals at Prineville
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Congleton Hollow Directions
From Prineville,
- Head southeast on Highway 380 Post/Paulina to Congleton Hollow Road
- Turn right just after milepost 51 onto Congleton Hollow Road and drive 3.9 miles where it splits
- Go to the left and continue 0.4 miles to one of the collecting sites.
Note: The first 1.1 miles of Congleton Hollow Road crosses private land. Respect the private property and stay on the road until public land is reached.