Fossil Hunting in Oregon

Fossil hunting in Oregon has a rich tradition, focused primarily in the eastern part of the state in and around the John Day River Basin. Included in the basin are the John Day Fossil Beds, part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, which is part of the National Park system.

What does that mean, in relation to fossil hunting? Absolutely nothing can be taken from the beds, or elsewhere in the confines of National Monument land without a permit. And permits are only granted for research purposes. So if you aren't a bona fide research specialist, don't even bother submitting for a permit, you won't get one.

Still, roaming through the beds you will see fossils, not to mention striking desert scenery. The striped hillsides of exposed sediment, the mix of sparse vegetation, the clear blue skies and desert nights, and the general lack of people are all appealing. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is yet another unique facet of Oregon worthy of exploration.

From the Blue Basin to the Painted Hills and Carroll Rim, there are wonderful hiking opportunities in and around the John Day Monument, the Ochoco National Forest, and BLM lands. For more information look at the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute website (here)

What if you want to collect fossils? In Oregon, the only place you can hunt for and collect fossils without a permit is on private land. That's the common perception, although it is only partially correct. You can keep fossils found on highway right-of-way, but to set anything up for collecting might require a separate permit from the Department of Transportation. But stop to change a tire, see a fossil, hey - it's yours.

Another collection option is to opt for plant fossils only. Collecting of vertebrate fossils is prohibited on federal or state lands without a specific permit. Invertebrate samples carry no such restriction. I've picked up some fine leaf fossils out hiking.

Another option is to search beach areas. Fossils found along beaches are mostly marine invertebrates, brought to exposure by uplifting geo-plate movement. They are in old sandstone/volcanic ash layers in the north part of the state, exposed mudstone on the central coast, and usually in darker ash and sand layers to the south.

It is a violation of law to collect anything from a seawall if you damage it in any way. A seawall is the portion of land above the beach, usually low cliffs or rock formations. It is illegal to collect from state or federal parks, or from beaches adjacent to them. You cannot take fossils from marine parks.

Even with those restrictions, there are big areas of public beach where collecting is available. The only permit requirement is if you wish to see them commercially. As all of Oregon's beaches are public, there are literally miles and miles of beach open to fossil hunting.

As always, whether in the desert, along the beach, or anywhere in Oregon - be a good guest. Don't litter, leave no trace, and be as minor a disturbance to the land and animal life as possible.