Glass Butte and Little Glass Butte, located off Highway 20 between mileposts 75 and 81 (57 miles west of Burns and 78 miles east of Bend), are among Oregon's prime destinations for high-quality obsidian. These two sites, only half a mile apart, cover a 6,000-acre area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and are renowned for a remarkable variety of volcanic glass.

The variety of obsidian you can find here is impressive, including prized gold sheen, mahogany, and fire sheen, among others. The surrounding high desert, with its volcanic peaks and sagebrush-covered hills, offers a scenic backdrop to explore.

Collectors can take up to 250 pounds or a trunk load of obsidian for personal use without a permit.

Glass Butte Rockhounding

Glass Butte, the larger of the two buttes, is the primary spot for finding obsidian in the area. Here, you’ll find a wide range of obsidian types, including black, gold sheen, silver sheen, rainbow sheen, mahogany, midnight lace, and fire sheen. Surface collecting is common, but if you dig with a pick or shovel, you’ll have a chance at uncovering larger, more valuable specimens.

Little Glass Butte, situated just east of Glass Butte, offers similar obsidian varieties and is typically less crowded. This area features deeper pits and an additional type of volcanic glass known as leopard skin obsidian, prized for its unique patterns.

Many collectors choose to dig shallow pits here, especially where larger pits already exist. Tools like a rock pick, shovel, or hammer help break through the topsoil to access larger fragments.

Be mindful to fill in any pits once you're done, helping preserve the area’s landscape.

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.