Glass Butte and Little Glass Butte, located along Highway 20 between mileposts 75 and 81, are among Oregon's best-known destinations for high-quality obsidian. The two buttes are part of a large BLM-managed rockhounding area renowned for its remarkable variety of volcanic glass.

The variety of obsidian found here is impressive, while the surrounding high desert, with its volcanic peaks and sagebrush-covered hills, provides a scenic backdrop for exploration.

Collectors should check current Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations before collecting, as personal-use limits and other rules may apply.

Glass Butte Rockhounding

Glass Butte, the larger of the two buttes, is the primary spot for finding obsidian in the area. The area offers a wide range of obsidian varieties and patterns, including black, gold sheen, silver sheen, rainbow sheen, mahogany, midnight lace, and fire sheen.

Surface collecting is common, but digging in appropriate areas may uncover larger and better-preserved specimens.

Little Glass Butte, located just east of Glass Butte, offers similar varieties of obsidian and is usually less crowded.

The area also has numerous existing excavation pits where collectors have searched for material. Leopard skin obsidian is another variety reported from the area and is prized for its distinctive patterns.

Many collectors dig shallow pits when searching for obsidian. A rock pick, shovel, or hammer can help remove loose soil and break up the surface material to reach buried specimens.

If you dig, fill in your pits when you are finished. This helps reduce hazards and preserves the landscape for future rockhounds.

Know Before You Go

There are a few things to keep in mind when you head out to the Buttes:

• Sharp Edges: Obsidian has razor-sharp edges, so gloves and eye protection are essential when handling or breaking it.
• Vehicle Access: The roads to the area are rugged and uneven, so a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. Pack fix-a-flat or a spare tire, as obsidian shards on the ground can easily puncture tires.
• Desert Conditions: The buttes are in a dry, open desert with very little shade. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks as needed to stay cool.
• Tools: Useful tools include a rock hammer, geology pick, pry bar, and shovel for digging and extracting larger obsidian pieces.
• Primitive Camping: Primitive camping is permitted on BLM land, but be prepared with enough water, food, and supplies, as services are limited in this remote area.

Primitive camping is permitted on BLM land.

You can book a stay in Burns, 57 miles west, and Bend, 78 miles east, if you want more comfortable accommodation.

Lodging in Burns (Hines)

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Burns

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