With the leaps and bounds of progress in modern technology, it’s so easy to get lost in front of screens all day. Though we are quick to forget the benefits of being outdoors, a short hike through a beautiful park can easily fix that.
Thankfully, one doesn’t have to look far—Oregon has a wealth of outdoor adventure. Today, we explore the opportunities the Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area has to offer for the eager rockhound.
The state park of Fogarty Creek is located in Lincoln County and was established in the 1950s. It was named for John Fogarty, a former county judge, and was expanded several decades after the initial purchase in 1954. Many come by this scenic spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, since it is also well-equipped with picnic areas, restrooms and parking.
Getting There
It sits roughly three miles north of Depoe Bay and ten miles south of Lincoln City, accessible off of Highway 101. After nearing Milepost 125, the Clarion Inn (south of the turn) and Fogarty Creek RV Park (north of the turn) are the landmarks to watch out for. After making the turn east, this will lead you down a short forested road towards the parking area. There is a trail following the creek that eventually passes underneath the highway and opens up toward the beach. One can walk along the coastline, sheltered by the surrounding cliffs that protect the area from the strong winds.
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Finding Agates
Interestingly enough, the beach is bisected by the creek. Some locals have grown to call it the “shape-shifting beach” due to the ever-changing width and position of the creek depending on the tide and season. The coast is characterized by large grains of sand and many small rocks, shells and dirt mixed in with it.
A good place to start hunting for special rocks are in the exposed gravel beds that take a beating from the waves at high tide. Agates are the most sought-after specimens found at Fogarty Beach, along with shells and small wave-worn driftwood that are scattered aplenty.
Agates are a fairly common variety of chalcedony, but are prized for their variety of vivid colors. The specimens found at Fogarty Beach can range all the way from clear, yellow, red, brown, black, blue, and gold.
If there are little to no exposed gravels along the coast, the creek should be your next stop. Visiting during low tide when the creek is at its narrowest can usually yield good results as the larger rocks can be moved and combed through. There are also a few tide pools that contain agate specimens ripe for collection when the tide is out.
A dandy little root beer colored agate found on Fogarty Beach.
Year-Round Agates, Jaspers and Fossils
The best seasons for rockhounding at Fogarty are either in the late fall, winter or early spring, since the storms and strong tide have pounded through the area and washed up treasures across the beach. The rain also helps wash off the sand and allows the distinctive colors of the stones to glimmer through. There are times when the sand levels grow very low and massive grooves in the bedrock of Fogarty Beach get exposed, creating a mystical scene with rocks ready for picking.
However, don’t be discouraged if you plan to be there during the summer. I have had luck agate hunting at Fogarty Beach even during the height of tourist season. As long as there are some exposed gravel beds, you’ve got a chance of finding agates.
The bedrock in this corner of Oregon is actually of the Astoria formation, around 15 million years old. Some fossilized ancient sea scallops and other invertebrates can be seen peeking through at low tide, waking up the Jurassic Park adventurer within. Apart from agates, one can also find the nice jasper specimens to add to your collection. Since it is a state park, there is a limit of one gallon of non-living specimens per day or three gallons per year imposed upon collection for personal use.
One last tip we can share is to pack a scrumptious picnic basket to enjoy at the end of your rockhounding trip. After a full day of hunting through the coast, relaxing at the picnic tables is a great way to soothe the aches away. Who wouldn’t enjoy a beautiful sunset and the sound of waves crashing on the shore? From agates and jasper, seashells and fossils, calming scenery or unforgettable memories, everyone will surely have wonderful souvenirs from their visit at Fogarty Creek State Park.
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