Tucked deep in the Ochoco National Forest, Lucky Strike Mine is a pay-to-dig site located 40 miles from Prineville. Discovered and claimed in the 1930s by Leonard Kopinsky, a renowned rockhound enthusiast, the mine has remained under the Kopinsky family's mineral ownership.
Over the years, the mine has faced various operational challenges but continues to be a popular destination for hobbyists and collectors due to the high quality and variety of thundereggs found there.
The digging season typically starts at the end of May and runs until the end of September, depending on weather conditions. Reservations are recommended if you plan to visit from Monday through Thursday.
The remote forest roads in the Ochoco Mountains are winding, rough, and narrow with tight turns. A high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Large and long trailers should avoid the area due to the lack of turnaround spots. Finding the mine can be difficult, so do not rely on smartphones or car GPS navigators as they can give incorrect directions.
Lucky Strike Mine Thundereggs
The mine is known for its famous thunder eggs that occur in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes.
The inner core of the eggs may be composed of moss, plume, or banded agate. Some specimens are hollow with multiple layers of agate including botryoidal agate and quartz crystal, making them geodes.
The hillside pit is located 0.2 miles from the mine office. The digging area is frequently scraped by a backhoe giving opportunities to find more interesting specimens.
Although the mine offers some tools for rent, the inventory is limited and may be unavailable during busy times. Therefore, it is recommended to bring your own tools.
Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area
Ochoco National Forest spans over 50 miles from west to east, showcasing a stunning landscape that includes expansive pine forests, mountains, rugged canyons, and picturesque high desert terrain. The forest's diverse scenery is complemented by crystal-clear lakes and rivers, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Popular activities in the area include hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and rockhounding. Just a few miles away from Lucky Strike Mine, popular public rockhounding areas such as White Fir Springs and Whistler Springs are known for their thunderegg deposits.
In winter, the forest transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, Ochoco National Forest provides a breathtaking backdrop for all visitors.
Prineville, the oldest city in Central Oregon, is known as the unofficial World Rock Hound Capital. Annually in June, Prineville hosts the Rockhound Pow Wow Festival at the Crook County Fairgrounds, where over 60 dealers sell agate, jasper, petrified wood, obsidian, thundereggs, used and new lapidary equipment, gifts, and jewelry. Rockhounding field trips are also available.
Additionally, Prineville is known as the Getaway to the John Day Fossil Beds, home to the world's most extensive fossil collection, as well as Painted Hills, a geological colorful phenomenon.
Lucky Strike Mine | Facts
Material: Thundereggs
Tools: Geology pick
Land type: Mountain hillside
Best time to visit: The end of May through the end of September
Land manager: Private mine
Fees: A per-pound fee and a per-group minimum
Location: 40 miles northeast of Prineville • Oregon • USA
Road access: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended
Elevation: 5,500 ft (1,676 m)
Places to Stay Near Lucky Strike Mine
Dispersed camping is allowed in the Ochoco National Forest. White Rock Campgrounds are located a few miles. Free campgrounds are operated on first-come, first-served basis and have picnic tables, fire pits, and a vault toilet. away operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
The nearest city of Prineville, 37 miles southwest, offers a range of affordable lodging options and vacation rentals.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Prineville
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Lucky Strike Mine Directions & Contacts
From Prineville,
- Travel east for about 30 miles to Forest Road 27 between mileposts 49 and 50
- Turn left (northwest) onto FR 27 and go 1.3 miles to the intersection with FR 2730 - the Lucky Strike Mine sign is posted
- Bear right onto FR 2730 and drive 6.3 miles to the fork - the Lucky Strike Mine sign is posted
- Stay left and continue on FR 2730 another 3.3 miles to FR 200 - the Lucky Strike Mine sign is posted
- Keep left and travel 1.4 miles to the mine entrance on the right
- From the entrance follow 0.3 miles to the parking and mine office.
Do not rely on smart phones or car GPS navigators, it can give wrong directions.
Phone: 541-362-1915
E-mail: 2016thundereggs@gmail.com