Updated: March 27, 2024
Agate hunting and rockhounding is a popular pastime on the Oregon Coast and some local families have collected these beach treasures for generations. A prime hunting ground for rocks, Oregon boasts more than 300 miles of beautiful beach to roam and there are plenty of places to pick up rocks, shells, fossils and driftwood if you know where to look.
Below we’ll share some of our favorite spots for the best rockhounding and agate hunting on the Oregon Coast along with tips on how and where to hunt for rocks to help you find some treasures of your very own.
This page may contain affiliate links where we earn a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our suggestions are based on our own experience and thorough research. Full disclosure.
What are Agates?
Agates are a type of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. Unlike other rocks on the beach, agates have a translucent glow, especially when wet and held up to the light.
They are formed in volcanic or metamorphic rocks through a process known as agate banding. Layers of minerals are deposited in these rocks over an extended period, forming distinctive lines, moss-like patterns or concentric circles within the stone.
Why Do People Hunt for Agates?
People hunt for agates because it’s fun! Rather than going to an exact spot and filling up your pockets, it’s all about the hunt.
Also, the signature stripes and vibrant colors make agates highly sought-after for jewelry, decoration or just as collector’s items. Agates can also be polished into glistening, gem-like stones.
Are agates valuable?
Agates are not typically collected for their monetary value unless it’s an especially rare, large or intricate piece, or is worked into a piece with a high level of artistry. Some people who collect agates believe they bring balance, protection, and positive energy.
What is the natural color of an agate?
The colors of agates found on the Oregon Coast can vary widely, but many of the rocks we’ve found are in the amber spectrum. They can range from nearly transparent or milky white to bright orange-red (Carnelian), earthy brown, green-blue and multicolored.
According to the International Gem Society, many of the brightly colored banded agates sold in gift shops are artificially dyed.
You may also find jasper and Oregon “jade” while rockhounding on Oregon beaches, as well as petrified wood, fossils, sea glass, sand dollars, shells and driftwood.
When is the Best Time to Find Agates on the Oregon Coast?
While rock hunting can certainly be done year-round, certain conditions will increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for the best time to find agates on the Oregon Coast.
Hunt for Agates at Low Tide
Low tide is the best time for agate hunting, as it exposes more beach where agates may be found. Check tide charts for the area you plan to visit and go out an hour or so before low tide, while the tide is still receding. Who knows what the waves might leave behind?
Find Agates After Winter Storms and King Tides
The winter months or roughly from November to April offers some of the best rockhounding and agate hunting on the Oregon Coast. Winter storms and rough seas help uncover agates and leave new ones ashore.
Right after a storm or king tide is a good time to go out agate hunting, especially if the sun comes out to illuminate the beach. You’ll no doubt bump into a few other people out rockhounding as well.
Look for Agates in the Morning or Afternoon
🌞 Early morning or late afternoon: During these times, the bright and angled sunlight can enhance the visibility of agates on the beach, making them easier to spot. Shadows can also help highlight the contours of stones.
Hunt for Agates in Spring
Spring: The first sunny days of spring can be a great time for agate hunting, after winter storms have passed and the weather at the Oregon Coast is a little milder.
🌊 Remember to check tide schedules, weather conditions and heed any posted warning signs or regulations. Always be aware of the tide and don’t turn your back on the waves, especially during stormy weather.
Can You Take Rocks from Oregon Beaches?
Agate hunting and rockhounding is free and legal as long as you stay within the state limit of no more than one gallon of rocks per person, per day, and up to three gallons per person for every calendar year. It’s also illegal to disturb the environment by excessive digging or chiseling away at rocks.
Be sure to stay out of any protected areas marked as such and just stick to picking up loose rocks on the beach.
Further Reading
Beaches for the Best Rock Hounding and Agate Hunting on the Oregon Coast
Best Rockhounding Beaches - Northern Oregon Coast
Cannon Beach
Can you find agates at Cannon Beach? You may find a few, but Cannon Beach is more famous for its tide pools at Haystack Rock and can get crowded in nice weather. Try heading south to the rocky areas of nearby Hug Point at low tide for rockhounding.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Cannon Beach.
Oceanside
Tunnel beach and Short Beach in Oceanside offer good agate hunting opportunities, especially after a winter storm at low tide.
👉 Find places to stay and eat and learn more about Oceanside.
Best Rockhounding Beaches - Central Oregon Coast
Lincoln City
The beaches around Lincoln City, including Road’s End, Taft and Nelscott Beach, offer some great rockhounding and agate hunting. Lincoln City is also known for the glass floats hidden on the beach by local artisans as part of the Finder’s Keepers program. If you find a glass float, you can keep it!
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Lincoln City.
Depoe Bay
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area near Depoe Bay has a picnic area with parking, restrooms and a path that leads under the highway to a scenic cove and a small creek flowing to the ocean. This is one of the best Oregon beaches for rockhounding, agate hunting and exploring tide pools at low tide.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Depoe Bay.
Newport
Despite the name, Agate Beach in Newport, Oregon, is not lined with an abundance of agates. It’s still a beautiful, sandy beach with gorgeous views of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and absolutely worthy of a visit!
For rockhounding near Newport, try Beverly Beach, Wade Creek Beach or Moolack Beach or head south of the jetty to South Beach State Park or Lost Creek State Recreation Site.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Newport.
🤷♀️ Just to confuse you even further, there are two more places called Agate Beach on the southern Oregon Coast near the towns of Port Orford and Gold Beach. See Southern Oregon Coast section below.
Yachats
Smelt Sands is a pebbly beach good for finding lots of tiny agates and the rocky beaches south of Yachats, including Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, Strawberry Hill Wayside, Bob Creek and Stonefield Beach offer some of the best rockhounding and agate hunting on the Oregon Coast. Just be very cautious of the waves in all of these rocky areas around Yachats.
Tokatee Klootchman State Natural Site is a less-visited rocky area south of Yachats great for rock hunting and tide pooling (go at low tide).
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers camping, hiking and access to a good rockhounding beach.
Muriel O. Ponsler State Scenic Viewpoint offers easy access to an excellent beach for rockhounds right off 101.
The Yachats Agate Festival is held annually on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Yachats.
Florence
The best beaches for rockhounding in this region are north of Florence. As you head south of Florence, you’ll start getting into the sandy coastline of the Oregon Dunes.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Florence.
Oregon Coast Rockhounding Essentials
Be prepared for rockhounding on the Oregon Coast with these helpful essentials.
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Quick-dry pants
- Insulated socks
- Waterproof boots
- Ear warmers or beanie
- Small sling backpack
- Mesh bag for rocks and shells (lets the sand out!)
- Sand scoop for flipping rocks
✔ Choose up to 6 items and only pay for what you want to keep. Find the perfect fit with Prime Try Before You Buy.
Best Rockhounding Beaches - Southern Oregon Coast
Bandon
In Bandon, Bullards Beach and Bandon South Jetty Park are great spots for agate hunting, rockhounding, and beachcombing for seashells and driftwood.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Bandon.
Port Orford
There is yet another Agate Beach in Port Orford where you actually can find some agates (aka Tseriadun State Recreation Site). Also try Paradise Point State Recreation Site and Battle Rock Wayside.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in beautiful Port Orford.
Gold Beach
Another Agate Beach good for rockhounding is located north of the Otter Point State Recreation Site near Gold Beach, Oregon.
Also, try heading just south of Gold Beach and hunt for agates on the beach around Kissing Rock.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Gold Beach.
Brookings
McVay Rock State Recreation Site is a great beach for rockhounding on the southern Oregon Coast near Brookings, Oregon.
👉 Find places to stay and eat plus more things to do in Brookings.
👀 Agate Hunting Tip: Look for agates in the outgoing tide line and in rocky areas at the foot of beachside cliffs that have been eroded away by winter storms. Also, scour rocky gravel beds wherever you see a river or small creek flowing to the ocean.
We hope this guide to the best rockhounding and agate hunting on the Oregon Coast helps you find the treasures you seek. Happy hunting!
