About this location
Hog Creek, in Washington County near Weiser, comes up repeatedly in Idaho rockhounding guides as one of the state's best amethyst thunderegg localities, alongside nearby Beacon Hill. A mindat locality record independently confirms amethyst from the "Hog Creek area, Washington County, Idaho," which is more than most sites at this tier get. What's missing is a confirmed land manager or access path — no BLM, state, or Forest Service page naming this specific creek turned up in research, so treat land status here as genuinely unverified rather than assumed open.
Always seek permission where required, follow local laws, and practice Leave No Trace. Locations and details are community-submitted and may be inaccurate. Not sure what's legal here? Read our full guide to rockhounding laws by land type.
Found Here
Amethyst-filled thundereggs — knobby volcanic nodules with a rough exterior that crack open to reveal purple crystal-lined cavities, typical of southwestern Idaho's rhyolite country.
Difficulty
Getting there
Washington County, ID, a few miles south of the Payette National Forest boundary per regional guides, near Weiser. No precise public trailhead or road was confirmed in sources found.
Collecting here
Surface picking supplemented by test-cracking candidate nodules with a rock hammer and chisel; bring a shovel and bucket for surface digging. Handle carefully — thunderegg crystal linings are fragile.
Know before you go
Land ownership at this specific creek — BLM, state, or private — could not be confirmed from available sources. Washington County, Idaho mixes private ranch land with BLM desert parcels; confirm current land status before digging rather than assuming public access just because the site is well known among hobbyists.
Location on Map
Coordinates: 44.30939, -117.08848
Nearby rockhounding locations
- Grouse Creek — Banded Agate, Iris AgateID · 6.2 mi
- gold prospect — GoldOR · 10.8 mi
- King Prospect — Azurite, CalciteID · 17.4 mi
- Silver King — Azurite, ChrysocollaID · 17.4 mi
- Azurite Prospect — Azurite, ChalcopyriteID · 17.4 mi
- gold prospect — GoldOR · 16 mi
Frequently asked questions
Is Hog Creek a good place to find thundereggs in Idaho?
Yes — Hog Creek near Weiser, in Washington County, is repeatedly named by Idaho rockhounding guides as one of the state's best amethyst thunderegg localities, and a mindat locality record independently confirms amethyst there.
What's inside a Hog Creek thunderegg?
Amethyst-colored quartz crystal linings inside a knobby volcanic nodule shell — the geode-like structure typical of Idaho thundereggs.
Do you need permission to collect at Hog Creek?
Land ownership at this specific site is unverified — confirm current land status before digging, since Washington County, Idaho mixes private ranchland with public desert parcels.
What tools do you need to collect thundereggs at Hog Creek?
A rock hammer and chisel to test-crack nodules, plus a shovel and bucket for surface digging, per regional rockhounding guides.
⚠️ 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.
Sources
- https://howtofindrocks.com/where-to-find-thunder-eggs/ (via search) — names Hog Creek as a top Idaho thunderegg locality.
- https://www.mindat.org/locentry-459813.html (surfaced via search snippet, not direct fetch since mindat blocks automated access) — confirms amethyst from "Hog Creek area, Washington County, Idaho."
- bigdatacloud.net reverse geocode — confirms coordinate at Weiser, Washington County, ID.
Recommended Gear for Idaho
Estwing E3-22P Rock Pick
The industry-standard 22oz geological hammer. One-piece forged steel with shock-reduction grip.
Clear Anti-Fog Safety Glasses (4 Pack)
Adjustable, anti-fog lenses for clear vision in any conditions. About $5 per pair.
Watertight Medical Kit
Compact, waterproof first aid kit with bandages, moleskin, and field essentials.
Rockhounding Idaho: A Guide to 99 of the State's Best Rockhounding Sites
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