Fischer Canyon is a BLM-designated public rock collecting area located 31 miles south of Prineville and 37 miles east of Bend. This 640-acre site is known for its variety of collectible rocks and minerals, including colorful jasper, petrified wood, and fluorescent calcite..

Set against the scenic high desert landscape, Fischer Canyon offers a remote and peaceful environment for a day of exploration. The area’s small hills and dry washes create ideal spots to search for hidden treasures.

It’s part of the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map, which includes other nearby collection areas.

Fischer Canyon Rockhounding

Some of the common finds here include:

Calcite – The most abundant mineral in the area, ranging from clear to yellowish, and fluorescing pink under UV light.
Jasper – Colors include red, green, and occasionally brecciated forms.
Petrified wood – Less common and found in small pieces, mostly brown or gray. Often porous.
Agate, quartz, and common opal – Smaller pieces are scattered across the site. You can also find blue-tone agates.

Surface collecting is the most common method here, but digging can reveal larger and more intriguing specimens.

Essential tools for digging, like a rock hammer, geology pick, or shovel, can help reveal finds from hillsides and washes.

Be sure to fill in any holes you dig — it's important to keep the area in good shape for future visitors.

Know Before You Go

There are a few things to keep in mind before you head to Fischer Canyon:

4WD Vehicle: The last half-mile of the road is rough and can get muddy when wet, so a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is recommended but not mandatory.
Desert Conditions: The high desert is dry and offers little shade, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Tools: Useful tools include a rock hammer, geology pick, and shovel if you plan on digging.
Camping: Primitive camping is allowed in the nearby Ochoco National Forest, and there are more developed lodging options in Prineville or Bend.

Fischer Canyon is a quiet, low-traffic area, perfect for a peaceful rockhounding getaway, set amid a high desert landscape that becomes particularly stunning at sunset. Besides rockhounding, the canyon offers excellent hiking and wildlife watching, especially vibrant in spring and summer when desert blooms add pops of color to the scenery.

For those seeking more adventure, nearby sites add to the experience. Bear Creek, known for its petrified wood, is worth exploring, or you can head to Prineville Reservoir to cool off after a day of collecting.