White Fir Springs is hidden deep in the woods of the Ochoco National Forest, 27 miles east of Prineville. This destination is known as a great thunderegg collecting site designated by the US Forest Service as a recreational rockhounding area and included in the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map, which can be purchased online.

Although the road to Thundereggs bed is maintained, a 4WD vehicle is suggested. The signs “White Fir Springs Agate Beds” are posted on the route to the digging area. We recommend using the directions provided below or on the Central Oregon Rockhounding Map.

Please keep this place clean, and pack out all your trash.

White Fir Springs Rockhounding

Oregon is famous for its many locations where thundereggs can be found, most of which feature agate-filled cores. However, the White Fir Springs site stands out for its unique jasper-filled thundereggs.

Jasper occurs in blue, gray, beige, brown, orange, red, and purple shades. Some eggs may have two or more cores. The most prized specimens have bright colors: brown, orange, or red, with interesting inclusions of rhyolite matrix or tiny pieces of quartz. They are reminiscent of jasper thundereggs from Bruneau Canyon in Idaho. The size varies from 1 to 5 inches.

Though this destination has been extremely popular for many years, it is still productive. When you reach the digging area, you will see many pits left behind by previous rock collectors.

Continue digging old pits if they look promising, or start your own. Materials are generally found from 1 to 2 feet below the surface. The dirt is relatively soft and easy to dig with a shovel or pick. If eggs are attached to host rocks, you might need to use a hammer and chisel.

Ochoco National Forest comprises several hundred thousand acres stretching over 50 miles from west to east. Its diverse landscape features vast pine forests, towering mountains, rugged canyons, and stunning high desert terrain.

The area offers a variety of popular activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and, of course, rockhounding. Whistler Springs, another popular public rockhounding site, is located 10 miles away. Lucky Strike Mine, nearby, famous for its beautiful thundereggs, offers pay-to-dig options.

Eagle Rock and Maury Mountain Agate Bed are other public rockhounding sites within the Ochoco National Forest.

The forest transforms into a snowy wonderland in winter, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, Ochoco National Forest presents a stunning backdrop for all visitors.

Prineville, the oldest city in Central Oregon, is known as the unofficial World Rock Hound Capital. In June, Prineville hosts the Rockhound Pow Wow Festival, a showcase of gems, minerals, fossils, and lapidary art. Numerous vendors sell rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and related items.