I'm familiar with the Modoc County obsidian territory. I've wandered as far north as Hart Mountain. I've been to the Sunstone pits out there as well.
I've had people tell me that I need to see Glass Buttes. Has anyone collected rocks out there? Anyone with any maps and/or guidance? I am a fairly experienced rock hound (20+ years), I know how to follow a seam.
Thanks.
Posted Aug 8, 2017, 1:00 AM UTC
Don't go now...way too hot. The BLM has a free map of rock hounding areas in central Oregon including glass butte, with specifics. The obsidian is literally everywhere, the roads aren't covered in gravel its obsidian. Take water and a good spare tire. Wait a couple months
Thank you. And thank you for the timing advice.
As for spare tires - I've been to Davis Creek many times, and ever since I had two blowouts (side wall and normal tread), I always carry two spares when I decide to drive my truck on roads made of broken glass.
Thank you.
Glad to help. Here's the map link https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/recreation/rocks-minerals/?cid=stelprdb5381929
Google glass butte map. Most of the pits are marked on the map, they are not marked on site though. There are no seams really to find since the obsidian is layered horizontally. Find a hole and dig down or horizontally to get material. There is plenty out there of every variety.
Thank you. Do you have any spots that aren't on g_map that you are able/willing to give up? PM me if you don't want it out in public.
Mile post 77 is the best entrance to the collecting area, I wouldn't recommend coming in any other way. The Red and black lace pit marked on the map is one of my favorites, it's also referred to as Midnight Lace obsidian and is a super easy dig.
There is a rainbow pit they call Aurora Borealis rainbow that isn't on the map. If you follow the main in road in, turn right on the road just past the 2nd pond (it may be empty) and look for the pits about 100 yards or so up that road on the left. It can be a hefty dig if the pits have been filled in, but it's great stuff. Last time I was there, we were about 6 feet down or so.
You won't really do yourself any service by prospecting the area for new spots, the quality varies so much out there and the flows are so vast that you could find tons of poor quality junk and miss all the best stuff.
There is little to no shade out there and it's brutally hot this time of year so be careful not to get yourself sick. Watch out for rattlesnakes!
Good luck!
Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for.