The Oregon Coast is a geologically fascinating region, shaped millions of years ago by lava flows from the Cascade Range and the collisions of the tectonic plates. The earth itself is constantly in motion here, and the change driven by tectonic activity is one constant that shapes the area.

Oregon beaches are an agate hunting paradise, attracting rockhounds from near and far. Rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean carry minerals from the mountains of the Coast Range. At the same time, the powerful waves and tides of the Pacific remove the upper layers of sand and soil to reveal all the treasures hidden underneath.

For a rewarding rockhounding experience at the Oregon Coast, all you need is a keen eye, warm, water-resistant clothing, and perhaps a small scoop or geology pick.

The coastline of the Beaver State is publicly owned, and its beaches are open year-round. While beachgoers can usually keep what they find, we would advise checking the rules and regulations before collecting.

Tips: How to Spot Agate on the Beach

Top Beaches and Coastal Rivers to Collect Agates

Agates and jaspers can be found along the entire 300-mile stretch of Oregon's coastline, as well as in the beds of rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Numerous spots along the coast are renowned for their excellent agate, jasper, and fossil hunting opportunities.

Please note, however, that the government has set certain limits on agate collection to preserve natural resources. You are not allowed to take more than one gallon of agates daily and no more than three gallons annually.

The best time to collect rocks on the ocean shores is from November to March. During this time, powerful winter storms strip away the summer sand, revealing gravel beds where agates, jaspers, and other gemstones are deposited. The storms also tend to churn up new material, making it an ideal time for fresh finds. There are also beaches, which are productive year-round, particularly after storm surges or high tides.

For those who prefer rivers as rockhounding locations, summer and early fall are the best seasons, as lower water levels expose gravel bars and riverbeds. The areas where rivers meet the ocean often yield agates and jaspers brought downstream from inland deposits. You can discover many excellent finds in the gravel bars.

North Oregon Coast

Treasures abound along the North Oregon Coast, including agates, jaspers, petrified wood, and marine fossils. Some of the best beachcombing spots are located north of Pacific City, including Short Beach, Oceanside, Netarts, Rockaway Beach, and Manzanita. North of Cape Falcon, the stretch between Arch Cape and Cannon Beach (including Arcadia and Hug Point) also offers excellent mineral collection opportunities. Tillamook beaches are a source of high-quality multicolored jaspers and sagenitic agates.

Central Oregon Coast

The Central Oregon Coast is an excellent source of high-quality agates, including carnelian, black-blue, enhydro, moss, and sagenitic varieties. If you are looking for jaspers, petrified wood, or fossilized agates, this is your place, too! The beaches from Road's End to Siletz Bay in Lincoln City and the coastline near Newport, Yachats, and Florence are among the most productive areas for gem-quality minerals.

The 7.5 miles of beaches in Lincoln City are well-known for producing agates and multicolored jaspers. The 5-mile stretch of Moolack Beach, from Otter Rock to Yaquina Head (about 3 miles north of Newport), is rich in agate, carnelian, jasper, petrified wood, and fossils. Marine fossils, such as shells and bones of sea lions and whales, have also been discovered near Beverly Beach, Newport. High-value bloodstones, as well as carnelian, moss, and sagenitic agates with needle-like inclusions, have been found south of Yachats. Be sure to check the areas around the mouths of creeks, especially those of Big, Bob's, China, Cummins, Tenmile, and Squaw creeks.

South Oregon Coast

The South Oregon Coast is full of rock-collecting opportunities, too. You can find a wide variety of geological treasures, including agates, jaspers, petrified wood, fossils, serpentine, and even the occasional piece of jade. The rich geological history of the region makes it a prime destination for rockhounds.

Some of the top collecting sites are found near Coos Bay and Bandon. Those sites are home to a diverse array of gemstones and fossils. The shoreline here, known for its dramatic rock formations and picturesque sea stacks, is especially productive after winter storms.

Port Orford is another excellent location for beachcombing, with its long stretches of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops providing ideal conditions for finding agates and jaspers. The unique geological makeup of the area also increases the likelihood of finding serpentine and jade, two highly prized minerals in the rockhounding community.

Further south, the coastline of Gold Beach and Brookings is rich with hidden gems and minerals. The two towns are surrounded by rugged cliffs. The dynamic tidal forces constantly shift the sands, revealing new deposits of petrified wood, agates, and other gemstones. The mouth of the Rogue River near Gold Beach is particularly notable for fossil discoveries, where ancient marine life can sometimes be found preserved in a rock.