Idaho · state land
Idaho state lands and parks: can you collect?
Three state agencies matter: the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), which manages endowment trust land to earn money for public schools and other beneficiaries; Idaho Parks and Recreation (IDPR); and Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG). Each has its own rule.
IDL endowment trust land: ask
- IDL's Rockhounding page: “All state endowment trust lands are open to casual exploration for gemstones and mineral specimens, provided the lands are not under a valid exploration location or mineral lease.”
- IDL's recreation policy: lists “collecting valuable rocks or minerals” among activities that “require separate authorization from IDL and may require authorization from other local, state, or federal agencies.” It doesn't define “valuable.”
- Commercial quantities need a lease (Idaho Code 47-717).
- Camping: IDAPA 20.05.01 allows 14 days in any 28, then move more than 5 miles. No new roads or trails.
Because IDL's pages don't line up, call the IDL area office for the parcel (Boise (208) 334-0200, Coeur d'Alene (208) 769-1525), describe what you want to do, and note the answer, the name and the date. Verify.
State parks: no
IDAPA 26.01.20.175.09: “The digging, destruction or removal of historical, cultural or natural resources is prohibited. Collection for scientific and educational purposes may be allowed through a permit.” Gold panning and metal detecting are “non-traditional recreational activities” that “may be authorized by the park or program manager” (175.11). Ask the park first. IDPR: (208) 334-4199.
Fish and Game lands: no
IDAPA 13.01.03.100.01: “Unless specifically authorized by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee, no person may” “disturb or remove any soils, gravel, or minerals” on department land. The same rule limits parking or camping to 10 days in any 30-day period. Contact IDFG through idfg.idaho.gov.
IDL's gemstone localities, by land status
IDL publishes a list of Idaho gem and mineral localities. It names places; it does not say who owns them or grant permission.
- Challis area: “A forest of petrified wood is near Challis.” IDL lists cryptocrystalline quartz at Lime Creek and agatized wood, both 12 miles south of Challis along US 93A, and petrified wood along Willow Creek Road south of Challis. On BLM land the petrified wood limits apply. BLM Challis Field Office: 208-756-5499.
- Owyhee County: jasper “of unexcelled quality,” plume agate and opal; red-and-green agate and thundereggs at Succor Creek. IDL lists Graveyard Point southwest of Homedale as a private mine.
- Weiser and Emmett: petrified wood from Mann Creek northwest of Weiser, the Beacon Hill nodules west of Weiser, and fire opal in lava beds near Emmett.
- Spencer Opal Mine near Spencer: “private – fee charged.”
Compare: Arizona State Trust Land · Utah SITLA permit · Nevada state lands.
Sources: IDL, Rockhounding; IDL, Recreation policy; Idaho Code 47-717; IDAPA 20.05.01; IDAPA 26.01.20; IDAPA 13.01.03.
Informational only — not legal advice. Rules, boundaries and seasons change. Confirm with the managing agency for the exact parcel before you collect. Last verified November 2, 2026.