A family-run pay-to-dig thunderegg mine in the Ochoco National Forest country northeast of Prineville, working beds that have produced for decades. They put you on a face with a bucket and you keep what you pull, charged by the pound with a minimum. This is the low-friction way into the hobby around Bend: no claim research, no gate problems, someone shows you what a good egg looks like before you swing at it. Open Memorial Day to the end of September, weather depending: Friday to Sunday 9am to 4pm, and Monday to Thursday by reservation only, on (541) 362-1915. The forest roads in are rough, narrow and winding, high-clearance 4WD recommended and no long trailers, and GPS is known to route people wrong out here. PRIVATE, seasonal, call ahead.
Thundereggs, agate, jasper
Other places on the map within a couple of hours.
