Gem Trails of Oregon

Want to know where to go to find a specific stone in Oregon? Want to know what stones you might find at a specific spot in Oregon? This is the book you need.

So far, have used this book for 2 locations we had not yet visited before. One success, one bomb.Hit: Location #1 is somewhere we could ONLY find reference to in this book, at least as a rockhounding location/mine. It's not even on Mindat. Attempted to research ahead of time as I know this edition is dated but could find nothing, so just figured to give it a whirl. Turned out to be SUPER easily accessible & loaded with all kinds of zeolites, pyrite, & surprisingly even a couple small pieces with amethyst clusters. No, not kidding. Will be back.Miss: Location #2. Yes, as I mentioned above, I understand the data is old. But mileage doesn't change, & directions are crucial when you're in remote locations with no cell service. "Drive about 2 miles to the quarry" was somehow actually "drive 5.2 miles and figure out which of the 12 sketchy logging roads is actually the .7 mile entrance to the quarry." After the fact, I saw you could deduce with the illustration that you're going 2.9 miles and then 2.3 miles from this dot to this dot to this dot, but nonetheless, the written directions say 2 miles total on this road & then magically end up at the quarry. Lost about an hour trying to locate the quarry, which is so picked over, I can't imagine it will be included in future versions.So far, Rockhounding Oregon has been a more succinct guide, although you've really got to like tumbled river agate to get the most out of that book.

First the good news. This book is a welcome and needed addition to the "Gem Trails" series, and is a marked improvement from the previous edition. Maps are good, information is more or less concise, material is well-written, and Romaine even gives with some humor now and then! All well and good, and this book is well worth the purchase price. However, for whatever reason the author defers to another author (Fisher) again and again if the reader should want more specifics about site location instead of just citing the exact sites. The reason appears to be that this author wants to preserve the market for Fisher's work. This is unlike the procedure for more academic works where the overall purpose is not to preserve a monetary market for others' works but to advance knowledge. The upshot of all this is, the reader is often referred to Fisher for more information...so at times, we're left wondering if we should just skip this book and just buy Fisher's DVD! But, for all that, there is enough specificity for most sites for the average rockhounder to just hit the road and dig rock. So buy the book, and grit your teeth every time Romaine tells you that Fisher's DVD should be consulted. It's a little like the teasers employed by the ads for the evening news: "Bad storm headed this way, we'll tell you exactly where at 6:00!" Romaine should just build on Fisher and let Fisher keep doing his own work...but this is still a good book for most folks. Plenty of good sites for all....

Wish it was all color would gladly pay extra as it’s hard to see what’s being shown in some pics … it’s got great info tho regardless and is a good buy

GPS coordinates to well-known (or not so well-known) rockhounding sites.

Book came just as described and was delivered 5 days before Amazon had estimated the shipping! Also loved the personal handwritten card that was packaged along with the item! First time I’ve received a Amazon package with a handwritten thank you! Will for sure buy from seller again!

This book is full of useful information. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for some great spots to find rocks across the state.

This book has always been a quick go to book. Easy to read and most directions are accurate.