VACATIONING
Rock Hounding
Central Oregon is considered a rock hounding paradise. Prineville has the unofficial title of Rock Hound Capital of the United States! Few places offer the variety of precious gemstones as the high deserts and forests of this part of Oregon. With a little preparation, people of all ages can enjoy the opportunity to discover a piece of Oregon's geologic past by visiting one of the many public recreational collection areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service (USFS).
The Chamber of Commerce offers visitors a Rock Hound Map that was produced by the BLM, Forest Service, and the Chamber for only $4.00. This map is a full-color guide, which includes pictures and descriptions of the sites, directions using landmarks and GPS coordinates; and showing the local rock materials found at each site. There are also safety tips and historic and geologic information.
The Chamber will mail you a Rock Hound map for $4.00 or a Vacation packet for $6.50, which covers postage in the United States. Due to the high cost of international postage, international packet orders are $20.00. To order your packet, please send a check or money order payable to the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce, 102 NW 2nd Street, Prineville, OR 97754. Or to order your packet with a credit card - we accept VISA, Master Card, or Discover cards over the phone at 541-447-6304. The Vacation Packet includes:
- Map of Prineville and Crook County
- Map of Oregon
- Ten Day Trips in Crook County
- Brochures on Lodging, Dining, & Shopping
- Brochures on local attractions, points of interest and events
