Nestled in the Maury Mountains within the Ochoco National Forest, 27 miles east of Prineville, the Maury Mountain Agate Beds is a must-visit destination for rockhounding enthusiasts. As one of the designated rockhounding areas listed on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map (available for purchase online), it offers rock-collecting opportunities.
This location has long been popular, attracting rockhounds for opportunities to collect colorful moss agates. Surrounded by scenic, forested hills, the area is not only great for rock collecting but also perfect for hiking and camping.
Gravel roads are well-maintained providing easy access to the agate bed. However, it’s advisable to check road conditions after heavy rain. The parking area is located atop a hill on the northern slope of the Maury Mountains, directly at the Maury Agate Beds. The main area of interest is the hillside below the parking lot, which is covered with sagebrush and ponderosa pine.
This area is one of the most accessible rockhounding sites in Oregon, making it a great destination for families, solo adventurers, or geology enthusiasts.
Maury Mountain Agate Rockhounding
Maury Mountain Agate Beds is famous for its moss agate featuring moss- or fern-like inclusions in vibrant shades of red, green, yellow, brown, and gold. Besides moss agate, other types of agates, such as botryoidal and dendritic, can also be found.
Though this site is an old rockhound favorite, it still yields good materials. Surface collecting is a good way to start, but digging reveals larger, high-quality specimens. The soil is relatively soft and easy to dig in.
Hike around and look, where other rockhounds have been digging and promising signs for further exploration. Bring a shovel, pick, and a bucket of water to help clean and inspect your finds.
Remember to respect the land by avoiding tree roots and leaving the area as you found it.
Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area
Ochoco National Forest offers a variety of popular activities, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and rockhounding. Whistler Springs, White Fir Springs , Eagle Rock, and Maury Mountain Agate Bed are other public rockhounding sites within the Ochoco National Forest. Lucky Strike Mine offers pay-to-dig options to collect its beautiful thundereggs.
In winter, the forest transforms into a serene snowy wonderland, offering the perfect setting for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Prineville, the oldest city in Central Oregon, is known as the unofficial "World Rock Hound Capital." Each June, it hosts the Rockhound Pow Wow Festival, where visitors can browse gems, fossils, jewelry, and other unique items from many vendors.
Maury Mountain Agate Beds | Facts
Material: Moss agate, dendritic agate, botryoidal agate
Tools: Shovel, pick, hammer, chisel
Land type: High desert
Best time to visit: Spring to fall
Land manager: U.S. Forest Service (Ochoco National Forest)
Fees: None
Location: 39 miles northeast of Prineville • Oregon • USA
Road access: Any vehicle
Elevation: 4,850 ft (1,478 m)
Places to Stay Near Maury Mountain
There are four campgrounds in the Maury Mountain area. The Elkhorn Campground is the closest, 1.5 miles from the agate beds.
If you want to stay more comfortably, the nearest lodging is in Prineville, 39 miles away.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays at Prineville
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Maury Mountain Agate Beds Directions & Contacts
From Prineville,
- Head southwest on Highway 380 to milepost 33
- Turn right onto Drake Creek Road (Forest Road 16) and drive 4.4 miles to Forest Road 1680
- Turn right onto FR 1680 and drive 1.6 miles to FR 1690, then turn right and continue 0.4 miles to a fork
- Bear right and continue 0.2 miles to the Maury Mountains Parking Area.
Hike downhill for diggings.