Crane Creek Thunderegg Bed is a remote destination tucked within in the Fremont National Forest, 9 miles southeast of Lakeview.

Accessing this area can be challenging, as the forest road crosses Crane Creek multiple times, requiring a 4WD high-clearance vehicle.

Natural events like wildfires or floods can render the final stretch of the road impassable for any vehicles. In such cases, the last mile or more may only be accessible by ATV or on foot. It’s crucial to assess road conditions ahead of time and make informed decisions.

Crane Creek Rockhounding

As you travel along Crane Creek toward the thunderegg bed, you’ll have opportunities to explore the creek at various points, where agate, jasper, and petrified wood can often be found. The area offers diverse rockhounding experiences, with treasures hidden in the landscape along the creek.

Exploring the Thunderegg Bed

The thunderegg deposit itself is located on a hill about 130 yards northeast of the northern edge of Thunderegg Lake. Here, you’ll find pits left by previous rockhounds, and you can either dig a fresh hole or continue an existing one, digging deeper or working around the edges.

Crane Creek thundereggs are known for their nodules filled with blue or gray agate. The outer layer of the thundereggs typically displays a reddish-brown color. Some specimens may exhibit botryoidal formations or even a fluorescent quality. Certain thundereggs contain small quartz crystal clusters, adding to their unique appeal.

Lakeview and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities for visitors to explore and enjoy. Known as the "tallest" town in Oregon, Lakeview sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet. While in town, tourists can relax with a soothing hot mineral bath at the Hunter Hot Springs Resort, and catch a glimpse of the famous "Old Perpetual Geyser," which periodically spouts water into the air.

Just 15 miles from town, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge provides a sanctuary for the Pronghorn Antelope, the fastest land animal in North America. The refuge invites visitors to camp, rockhound, hike, soak in the Antelope Hot Springs, and observe the area’s rich wildlife.

Lake County is also a haven for rock collectors, renowned for its sunstones, opalized wood, fire opals, agate, and jasper. One of the most popular destinations is the Sunstone Public Collection Area, located 65 miles northeast of Lakeview, where visitors can dig for Oregon's state gemstone, the sunstone.

For winter sports enthusiasts, the charming Warner Canyon Ski Area is just seven miles east of Lakeview. Nestled in the scenic Warner Mountains, this small ski area offers a cozy yet rewarding skiing experience during the colder months.

There are numerous opportunities for primitive camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in the Lakeview area, perfect for those seeking a more rugged outdoor experience.

For visitors who prefer a more structured camping environment, the Goose Lake State Recreation Area, located 15 miles south of Lakeview, offers a range of amenities. Open from April to October, the campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and provide tent sites, electrical hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers.

Alternatively, about 10 miles west of Lakeview, the Junipers Reservoir RV Resort offers seasonal RV and tent camping in a scenic setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching in this tranquil environment.

For those looking for more comfort, Lakeview offers a variety of affordable lodging options and vacation rentals, providing budget-friendly accommodations for all types of travelers.

Lodging is available in Lakeview

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Lakeview

From Lakeview,

Travel 5 miles south on Highway US-395 to Crane Creek Road
Turn left onto Crane Creek Road and travel for about 2 miles, on the fork stay right following the creek (If the road becomes impassable for your vehicle, park your car and hike for about 1.8 miles)
Continue on Crane Creek Road 0.5 miles to Forest Road 15 on the right
Bear right and follow for about 0.7 miles to the fork, take Forest Road 14 on the left which follows the creek, and continue for about 0.5 miles to the digging area.

Phone: 541-947-2151
fs.usda.gov

GPS: N 42°06.180' W 120°15.900' | 42.103, -120.265