From the monthly archives:

March 2009

Eagle Peak (OR R1 Site 12)

by JerryMarch 13, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: We had some trouble locating this site 2 years ago. The Gem Trails map indicates avoiding the first dirt road after passing Eagle Rock, but in fact it turned out to be the first turn after the rock. Almost immediately you have to turn left over a cattle guard to enter the BLM area [...]

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Ashwood (OR R1 Site 10)

by JerryMarch 13, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: Follow US 97 northwest 14 miles from Madras as indicated in Gem Trails and watch for the sign to Ashwood. Turn south on Pony Butte Road which winds through the hills for 15 miles to hte village. In 2008 the Rockstock site was on the Friend ranch, marked by a temporary sign about 1 [...]

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Deming Agate (NM Site 57)

by JerryMarch 13, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: In Gem Trails Deming Agate is identified with the “Big Dig” site 25 miles southwest of Deming proper. This area has been producing amazing agate for over 50 years. It is a private claim and only accessible through the Deming Gem and Mineral Society in conjunction with their annual Rockhound Roundup held each year [...]

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Richardson’s Ranch (OR R1 Site 9)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: You will have no trouble locating Richardson’s following the map. There are also signs along the highway. Take the Hay Creek Rd turn and go a mile to the ranch. They are still providing free overnight camping for customers at Richardson’s.
Google Map
Date: August 2007
Notes: Richardson’s will not disappoint. There are numerous egg beds and [...]

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Calapooia River (OR R1 Site 8)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map will get you to Holley, OR, and the Calapooia, but the road along the river is now Upper Calapooia Drive.
Google Map
Date: June 2007
Notes: We did not work Site B, but did search along the river, Site A. There are only a few places where you can get down to the [...]

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The Dalles (OR R1 Site 4)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map is easy to follow, but perhaps confusing as to Site A. The map indicates Site A extends between I-84 and US 30, but the directions say “a few miles along” US 197.
Google Map
Date: September 2007
Notes: At Site A we searched the little available roadside between I-84 and US 30, finding [...]

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Medford (OR R3 Site 9)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The map in Gem Trails is easy to follow, but the listing is obsolete. This section of Medford is now fully developed with virtually all of the land paved over or fenced.
Date: April 2008

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Baker City (OR R2 Site 12)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map is easy enough to follow, but we did not go to either Site A or Site C. We stopped at several location along OR SR 86 indicated as Site B in the book, but found nothing.
Date: September 2007
Notes: The book states that the material is scattered and maybe we were [...]

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Cooks Peak Carnelian (NM Site 68)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The directions in Gem Trails are good with the following updates: County Road A016 is now signed Green Leaf Mine Rd and at 18 miles from NM SR 26 it enters private property with no trespassing signs posted. Also, the mountain is actually spelled Cookes Peak.
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: We searched various locations all [...]

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Graveyard Point (OR R2 Site 15)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: We found the map in Gem Trails a little confusing, but made it to Site A OK. The  road to Site B was marked private property, so we did not continue on to that site. To reach Site C, we backtracked to the paved road, turned right and followed the road over the bridge [...]

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