We started the day cruising up the coast about 40 miles in search of a different beach to hunt for agates. Along the way we found a great spot for lunch, and a small - but nice Farmers Market in Yachats, but no gravely beaches. We have learned through trial and error over the last couple weeks what types of beaches to search for. Sandy beaches, like the picture above, while beautiful to walk along and listen to the surf - will not be successful for agates. They are found in the gravel areas, usually around other large volcanic rock formations. Headed this way? There is some great info here on locations; Oregon Beachcomber
Turning around in Yachats, we started back south towards the area where we were with the boys last week. Decided to try a little turn out called Stonefield Beach. Sounds promising right? We wandered around for a bit and then settled in to start digging. Sometimes the larger agates can be spotted by just walking along, but to really enjoy the process, you have to get down and dig. Especially during the summer months as you don’t have the big winter storms to help stir the stones to the top. They get covered by the sand and this is where the “digging” comes in. Bob likes to use a large shell to scrape the sand and gravel, while I am a “piece of driftwood” fan. Gently moving the sandy gravel from side to side, the agates will “pop out” to your eye because of their translucent color. I find it so incredibly soothing to sit and listen to the waves pound against the shore while slowly moving my piece of driftwood back and forth across the sand. My thoughts flow about everything…and nothing. When an agate pops up, it’s just the cream on top of an already beautiful moment.
What seemed to be an hour, was actually closer to four as we packed up our finds and headed for the car. This was our last day on the beaches near Florence. Tomorrow we start north towards Pacific City, our next camp for a couple weeks. If the map I reference below is correct, we have many more days of agate searching ahead. I for one, can’t wait.
Oregon Rockhounding Map
