Emerald Creek Star Garnets Near Clarkia Idaho

So we took a trip to see our son in Spokane last weekend and I finally got some rock hunting in.  We drove 1-1/2 hours into the Idaho panhandle to search out some star garnets in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.  We found some and had a good time.

The drive through the beautiful Palouse area of Idaho was really beautiful.  It had rained in the morning and cooled everything down.  It was a gorgeous day.

Fields in the Palouse of the Idaho Panhandle

When we got there we discovered it would be a 1 mile hike round trip. I managed to walk the 1/2 mile up and back with torn ligaments and torn meniscus.  Some things are just worth the pain. :-)

Trail to Emerald Creek Garnet Area

Determined to get there!

For those who aren't aware, there are only two places in the world these garnets can be found.  In Idaho and in India.  They are called star garnets, because when polished, some of them display a "star" reflection.

Idaho Polished Star Garnet

When we arrived, we each paid the $10.00 collecting fee.  All buckets and shovels needed on the site.  You may want to bring some waterproof gloves and rubber boots.  It can be pretty muddy. 

The Forest Service manages the site, and shows you what to look for and what to avoid.  At the beginning of the season, loads of gravels are brought to the site from Emerald Creek and from these piles, collectors shovel, screen and wash the gravels to find the stones.

Forest Service Collecting Fee Station 

You have your best chance to find large and many garnets early in the season, which starts on Memorial Day.  The pickings are pretty poor near the end of the season on Labor Day.  We were there a little late and there wasn't much left.  But it was fun anyway.

Running our dirt through the screens

Washing our gravels in the sluice box

My son showing what my hubby termed a "chicken pox rock" a rock with small garnets embedded"

We didn't come away with a huge haul, but we got about 1oz of garnets in a 2 hour period.  It was a really enjoyable day.

Pretty Rocks - Garnets on the left 

"Chicken pox rocks"

It was a really fun way to spend the day, and I highly recommend it for families and kids.

Since you are here, be sure to check out my new signs on my Etsy store.

All Night Laundry - Drop Your Drawers Here Barn Wood Sign

The Catch of the Day Vintage Barn Wood Sign

For more information about collecting the star garnets in Idaho, check out this link to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Emerald Creek Garnet Area