Where to Find Petrified Wood in Montana: 10 Mapped Sites
Montana has 10 documented sites where petrified wood have been reported, and the best-known are Pryor Mountains, Yellowstone River, and Carbella. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 10 of the 10 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Petrified Wood Map: Montana
All 10 petrified wood sites in Montana. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Petrified Wood Are Found in Montana
Whole forests were buried in volcanic ash and river sediment, silicified, and are now eroding out of badlands, bluffs, and gravel beds. Walk wash bottoms and eroding slopes in sedimentary country.
The richest reported sites in Montana: Pryor Mountains, Yellowstone River, Carbella, Jefferson River, Miner.
Local reporting distinguishes Silicified Wood (3 sites), Agatized Wood (1 site).
Of the 10 sites, 10 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Petrified Wood Sites in Montana
- Pryor Mountains — Public Access
- Yellowstone River — Public Access
- Carbella — Public Access
- Jefferson River — Public Access
- Miner — Public Access
- Mount Blackmore — Public Access
- Frying Pan Basin — Public Access
- Terry — Public Access
- Livingston — Public Access
- Vaughn — Public Access
How to Identify Petrified Wood
Petrified wood keeps the anatomy of wood in stone: growth rings on the ends, grain lines along the sides, knots and bark texture — but at hardness ~7 and several times the weight of wood. Weathered ends often show the ring structure best. Agatized pieces glow translucent at thin edges; palm wood shows rod-like dots instead of rings.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find petrified wood in Montana?
Montana has 10 mapped sites where petrified wood have been reported. The best-known are Pryor Mountains, Yellowstone River, and Carbella. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many petrified wood sites are mapped in Montana?
We have 10 documented petrified wood sites in Montana, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect petrified wood in Montana?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify petrified wood?
Petrified wood keeps the anatomy of wood in stone: growth rings on the ends, grain lines along the sides, knots and bark texture — but at hardness ~7 and several times the weight of wood. Weathered ends often show the ring structure best. Agatized pieces glow translucent at thin edges; palm wood shows rod-like dots instead of rings.
What kinds of petrified wood are found in Montana?
Reports from Montana distinguish Silicified Wood (3 sites), Agatized Wood (1 site).
What should I bring to collect petrified wood?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Petrified Wood in Nearby States
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.