Whistler Springs Thunderegg Beds
Prineville, Oregon
thundereggsagatejasperpetrified wood
Forest Service collecting area · Free
Whistler Springs Thunderegg Beds
Whistler Springs sits deep in the ponderosa off McKay Creek Road and produces thundereggs generously by Ochoco standards, along with loose agate, jasper, and petrified wood. The eggs run to agate fill, sometimes with mossy inclusions worth slabbing. It is a long drive on forest road, so treat it as the whole day rather than a stop, and carry the Ochoco National Forest rockhounding map — the Forest sells it precisely because these beds are unmarked.
The card catalog
| What you can find | thundereggs, agate, jasper, petrified wood |
|---|---|
| Access | Forest Service collecting area — Free |
| Fees | free; Forest Service casual collecting for personal use, hand tools only — confirm current rules with the Lookout Mountain Ranger District |
| Season & hours | roughly June into October, snow-dependent; McKay Creek Road and its spurs are rough and slow |
| Kids | Family-friendly — digging is straightforward but the site is about 50 miles out of Prineville on forest roads — a long day for small children |
| Official source | USDA Forest Service — Ochoco National Forest |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Whistler Springs Thunderegg Beds cost?
free; Forest Service casual collecting for personal use, hand tools only — confirm current rules with the Lookout Mountain Ranger District Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Whistler Springs Thunderegg Beds open?
roughly June into October, snow-dependent; McKay Creek Road and its spurs are rough and slow Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Whistler Springs Thunderegg Beds good for kids?
Yes — Whistler Springs Thunderegg Beds works for families. digging is straightforward but the site is about 50 miles out of Prineville on forest roads — a long day for small children