Oregon's Top Destination for Thunderegg Hunting: Richardson Rock Ranch
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Madras, Oregon, Richardson's Rock Ranch stands as a renowned rockhounding destination, renowned for its abundance of thundereggs - Oregon's official state rock. These spherical formations, often containing agate, jasper, or other minerals, make for a prized find for rock collectors.
Situated on a sprawling 17,000 acre working cattle ranch, approximately 11 miles North of Madras, the ranch offers visitors the thrill of discovering these unique geological formations. Rockhounding tours and activities allow enthusiasts to explore the scenic area and uncover hidden gems.
Visitors can embark on a journey to the Priday Agate Beds, where thundereggs are commonly found. Upon arrival, parking is available directly in front of the store or along the side of the dirt road. A short orientation, including a map of the digging areas and the provision of rock hammers, is mandatory before setting off. A digging fee of $1.50 per pound with a $15 minimum (per car) is charged at the ranch.
The drive from the store to the dig sites takes approximately 30 minutes, traversing rocky and bumpy dirt roads. The Pony Butte Bed, a favourite spot for many, can be reached after a 30-minute drive. It is recommended to bring a crowbar for digging, as it helps in finding more thundereggs.
Most of the thundereggs found at Richardson Rock Ranch are between golf ball and baseball sizes, but some can be as large as softballs. Once digging begins, it is easy to locate thundereggs, even for a 7-year-old child.
After an exciting day of rockhounding, visitors can unwind at the ranch's store, which offers a variety of geological treasures, including sliced thundereggs, obsidian, and exotic rock and mineral specimens. Thundereggs can also be cut open for a per-square-inch fee.
The store also houses a museum filled with interesting items collected by the Richardson family and others from around the world. For those planning a trip to Oregon, Richardson Rock Ranch is highly recommended as a must-visit spot.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own buckets for digging, and it is essential to check in at the store's cash register, go through the orientation, and sign a waiver before starting the adventure. The prices at the ranch are subject to change.
The author, along with their daughter, had a memorable experience at Richardson Rock Ranch, with the visit being the highlight of a camping trip. Despite occasional challenges such as wildfires, which have led to evacuations and disrupted activities, Richardson's Rock Ranch remains a favourite spot for those interested in geology and the natural beauty of Oregon's landscapes.
For rockhounds in Oregon, a guidebook called "Rockhounding Oregon: A Guide to the State's Best Rockhounding Sites" is recommended. With its rich geological history and stunning scenery, Richardson's Rock Ranch offers an unforgettable rockhounding experience for all ages.
Upon concluding their rockhounding adventure, visitors can spend time exploring the ranch's store filled with geological treasures, such as fashioned thundereggs, exotic rock and mineral specimens, and the museum showcasing intriguing items from around the world. After a day of discovering fashion-and-beauty in the form of thundereggs and unraveling home-and-garden stories through the displayed artifacts, one can plan a trip to another captivating destination – travel to Oregon's scenic landscapes, renowned for sports like hiking and picnicking amidst the food-and-drink offerings from local vendors. For enthusiasts seeking more knowledge on Oregon's rockhounding sites, a guidebook titled 'Rockhounding Oregon: A Guide to the State's Best Rockhounding Sites' is highly recommended.
