Stonerose Fossil Site in Republic, Washington

Tucked into the charming town of Republic in northeastern Washington, Stonerose Interpretive Center is one of the few places in the Pacific Northwest where you can legally dig for fossils—and take some home.

Grab a hammer, a thin chisel, and bring a bit of patience. As you split layers of shale, you’ll reveal delicate impressions of leaves, insects, and other life from nearly 50 million years ago.

The fossil-bearing layers are exposed throughout the area, even near town. Residents formed a nonprofit organization, the Friends of Stonerose Fossils, and built an interpretive center to protect this non-renewable resource. When you visit, you’re supporting a community effort to keep this site open to the public.

Where is the Stonerose Fossil Site?

Stonerose is located in Republic, in Ferry County, eastern Washington. You can reach it via WA-20 or WA-21. The interpretive center sits near the intersection of the highway and N Kean Street.

The fossil beds are just a short walk uphill from the center, making this one of the most accessible fossil sites in the region. Any vehicle can get you there—no need for four-wheel drive.

Geology of the Stonerose Fossils

The fossils here date back to the early Eocene epoch, about 49–50 million years ago.

At that time, a freshwater lake covered the area. Nearby volcanic activity produced fine ash, which settled into the lake along with plants, insects, and fish. Over time, these layers preserved organic material in remarkable detail.

Today, that material has hardened into thin layers of shale that split easily, often revealing fossils inside. The site is part of the Klondike Mountain Formation, which preserves entire ancient ecosystems - not just individual specimens.

A Bit of History

Fossils in the area were first noticed during gold mining in the early 1900s. Republic was once a busy gold town, and miners began finding fossil leaves and fish in the rocks.

Over time, scientists recognized the importance of the site as one of the key Eocene fossil locations in North America.

In 1989, the Stonerose Interpretive Center was established to protect the site and make it accessible to the public.

What Fossils Can You Find?

Most fossils at Stonerose are plants, especially leaves. Common finds include:

Leaf fossils — maple, birch, elm, and dawn redwood
Seeds and small plant fragments
Insect fossils — less common
Slabs with multiple fossils

These fossils reflect a warm, forested environment that once existed here.

How Fossil Collecting Works at Stonerose

This is what makes Stonerose special: you can actually dig here. Here's how the process works:

Check in at the interpretive center (typically before 3:00 p.m.)
Pay a small day-use fee (kids under 5 are free and discounts are available)
Get a quick introduction from staff
Walk to the designated dig site (often called Boot Hill)
Split shale and look for fossils.

The dig site usually closes around 4:00 p.m., so plan your time.

At the end of your visit, bring your finds back for review. You can keep your favorite three specimens. The rest stay in the center’s collection.

If you discover something scientifically important, it may be kept by the center, but you will be credited for the find. You might even have it named after you.

Tools and Tips

You can rent tools on-site or bring your own. Basic tools include a small hammer, a cold chisel or flat tool, flat-head screwdrivers or scraper.

Split the rock gently and follow natural layers. Fossils are delicate, so take your time - this isn’t a race.

Museum and Exhibits

The interpretive center is worth visiting even if you don’t dig. Inside, you’ll find fossil displays, exhibits about Eocene life, and help identifying your finds.

There are also exhibits on local history, including Republic’s gold mining past, along with displays of regional minerals like quartz, amethyst, and fluorite.

Best Time to Visit

Stonerose Interpretive Center is open year-round from Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fossil site operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall. Hours are generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with afternoon cutoffs for digging. During the digging season, Tuesdays may be opened at times, but Mondays are always closed.

Dry weather is best for splitting shale. Summer mornings are ideal to avoid heat.

Material: Eocene fossils - leaf fossils (maple, birch, elm, dawn redwood), seeds, plant fragments, insect fossils
Tools: Hammer, cold chisel, paint scraper, flat-head screwdriver (tools available for rent)
Land type: Road cut

Open (Fossil Site): The end of April to the end of October from 8 a.m.–4:00 p.m.except for Monday (and sometimes Tuesday)
Land manager: Friends of Stonerose Fossils
Fees: Yes

Location: Republic • Ferry County • Washington • USA
Road access: Any vehicle
Elevation: 2,600 ft (790 m)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really keep fossils at Stonerose?

Yes. You bring all your finds back to the center for review, then you keep your favorite three specimens per day. The rest go to the center's collection.

What kind of fossils are most common?

Leaf fossils are by far the most common. Insects turn up occasionally, and multi-fossil slabs are a lucky find.

Do you need experience?

Not at all. The staff walks you through everything. This is one of the best fossil sites for beginners.

Is it legal to dig there?

Yes. Collecting is allowed and managed under the site's rules by the Friends of Stonerose Fossils nonprofit.

Do I need to bring my own tools?

You can, but the center also rents tools on-site. A hammer and a cold chisel are all you really need.

Are there discounts?

Yes. Kids under 5 dig free. Children 18 and under, seniors, and college students with a valid ID receive a discount. Educational groups can call ahead for special rates.