While the area is remote, its proximity to Highway 20 and nearby towns such as Bend and Redmond makes it a convenient stop for those embarking on a rockhounding road trip through Central Oregon.

🟡 Visitors should come prepared with proper tools, water, and supplies, as services are limited in this rugged and isolated area.

Please remember to keep the area clean by packing out all your trash.

As part of Central Oregon's network of recreational rockhounding sites, Hampton Butte is featured on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map. If you're on a rockhounding adventure, this location offers plenty of opportunity.

Hampton Butte Rockhounding

Petrified wood at Hampton Butte comes in a variety of colors. You can find white, gray, black, and yellow pieces, but the most prized finds range from turquoise to dark green.

The green color comes from minerals that replaced the original wood during fossilization. Copper-related minerals are believed to be the main cause of the turquoise and green shades found at Hampton Butte. Over time, oxidation and other natural processes helped create the vibrant green color seen in many specimens.

In addition to petrified wood, Hampton Butte is also known for its limb casts. Most of the petrified wood is jasperized or opalized, but with a bit of luck, you might come across agatized pieces. Agates and jaspers are common finds here as well, making this site a treasure trove for rockhounds.

Though Hampton Butte has been popular with collectors for decades, you can still find tumbler-sized petrified wood scattered on the surface. Some collectors report finding larger specimens by digging 1 to 2 feet below the surface, although results vary.

Fortunately, the soil is relatively soft, making excavation easier than at many other collecting sites. However, it's best to avoid digging under trees or around their roots, as this can damage nearby vegetation.

One thing to note is that the site contains a significant amount of porous material, so not all of your finds will be suitable for polishing.

The area is bordered by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands to the north and east, with private property lying to the west and south. Be mindful of property boundaries during your exploration.