Twin Springs is a rugged rockhounding gem tucked away in the vast, sagebrush-covered Owyhee Canyonlands.

Located just west of the Owyhee Reservoir, this remote destination is rich in agate, jasper, petrified wood, quartz, calcite, and geodes. The area's diverse geology, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, has created an abundance of beautifully patterned and well-preserved specimens.

The closest towns with services are Nyssa, 35 miles southeast, and Vale, 30 miles south.

For those looking to camp nearby, the Twin Springs Campground, just a few miles away, offers a convenient base for exploring the surrounding rockhounding sites and attractions in the Owyhee region.

In addition to Twin Springs, Haystack Butte and Negro Rock nearby also offer great rockhounding opportunities.

Twin Springs Rockhounding

You can find minerals throughout the entire Twin Springs area, but some locations are more productive than others. Below, we highlight two of the most promising spots for rockhounding.

Here are the most common minerals in the area:

• Agates – Abundant in various sizes, with colors ranging from clear, white, blue to gray. Some feature waterlines, moss-like patterns, or botryoidal formations.
• Jasper – Found in shades of blue, green, gray, and brown, ranging from small fragments to large chunks, ideal for cutting and polishing.
• Petrified Wood – Scattered across the landscape, mostly in smaller pieceswith brown and gray hues.
• Quartz & Calcite – Often mixed with other materials, adding to the variety of finds. Surface collecting is common, with plenty of material scattered across the sagebrush flats, dry washes, and hillsides. Digging may reveal larger specimens.

Essential tools include rock hammers, geology picks, and shovels.

Always pay attention to the territory markers and respect private claims.

Know Before You Go

Here are a few things to keep in mind before visiting Twin Springs:

• 4WD Vehicle: A high-clearance 4WD is highly recommended for accessing the area, especially after rain when roads can become impassable.
• Remote Location: There are no services (including gas stations, drinking water, or stores) within a 20-30 mile radius of the site. Ensure your vehicle is fully fueled, and bring plenty of water and supplies. Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent.
• Desert Is A Risky Environment: Oregon High Desert is not the Sahara Desert, but you still need to prepare. Luckily, you don't need to spend a lot of time, money, or effort to be ready. Here are the most important things to know before you head out.

Primitive camping is permitted across BLM land unless the area is marked as closed or private.

The Twin Springs Campground is a quiet, shaded oasis within the high desert, managed by BLM. It has essential amenities, including vault toilet, picnic table, fire ring, and hand-pump water (non-potable).

The nearest lodging is 50 miles east in Homedale, Idaho, or 50 miles northeast in Ontario, Oregon.

Lodging in Homedale, ID

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Homedale, ID

Lodging in Ontario, OR

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Ontario, OR