Please Note: The St. Joe Ranger District schedules the Emerald Creek Garnet Area to open in May the Friday before Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day. Please check this website before you visit the garnet area for further updates. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the US Forest Service. They are not available on site. Plan ahead, as tickets are released on a rolling 90 day schedule, and sell out soon after becoming available.
"There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets - India and right here on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests!"
The Emerald Creek Garnet Area, an area managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is a popular recreation site open to the public for the purpose of searching for star garnets. Due to concerns for water quality, aquatic habitat, and public safety, the operation now uses sluice boxes for recovery of the Idaho state gem.
The area is still in the same location as before the revamping of the operation. While visitors will no longer be digging for garnets in the stream bed, the new method still allows people to enjoy the thrill of discovery. A photo gallery on the Forest Service website shows the steps one takes to get from gravels to garnets. Screen boxes, buckets, and shovels are provided.
The area is still in the same location as before the revamping of the operation. While visitors will no longer be digging for garnets in the stream bed, the new method still allows people to enjoy the thrill of discovery. A photo gallery on the Forest Service website shows the steps one takes to get from gravels to garnets. Screen boxes, buckets, and shovels are provided.
STAR GARNET – THE IDAHO STATE GEM STONE
Idaho and India are the two places in the world where star garnets are found. The 12-sided (dodecahedron) crystals range in size from sand particles to golf-ball or larger size and are often found with four or six-ray stars. Gem quality faceting material is also found.
WHERE IS IT?
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road 447 to the parking area. Permits, information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch. Detailed instructions and maps are located on the Forest Service website.
IS THERE HANDICAPPED ACCESS?
Yes. Those who are unable to make the walk should call the Clarkia office (208-245-1134) and make arrangements for someone to open the gate. Or, they can have someone walk up to the sluice site and have an employee go down and open the gate. A handicap placard, handicap license plate, or some other proof of disability is required for this service.
HOURS
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Friday thru Tuesday
CLOSED Wednesdays and Thursdays
The Garnet Area closes for the season Labor Day
HOW DOES ONE GET A PERMIT?
Permits are not available at the site. Permits can be purchased online at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10086846?tab=info or by calling (877) 444-6777 or TDD (877) 833-6777 Adults: $15 Children ages 6-12: $5 Children under 6: Free. Recreation.gov charges a $1 processing fee on each transaction A mineral permit is issued for each individual. Limit of 5 lbs of garnet per day; 6 permits per year.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
We recommend you allow at least two to four hours at the site. Many families like to bring their lunch and make it an all-day outing at the Garnet Area. Some rockhounds like to return several days in a row. Prepare to have fun!
WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES ONE NEED?
You are provided: buckets, shovels, and special screen boxes.
You should bring:
- Drinking water, snacks, and/or lunch
- Sunscreen
- Container for garnets (recloseable plastic bags work well)
Some items other visitors have found useful are:
- Lined, rubber gloves
- Small hammer
- Small brush
- Collapsible stool
GUIDELINES
Pets are not allowed.
Motorized equipment is not allowed in the Garnet Area.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
At the parking lot: information sign, directions, and outhouse.
At the administrative tent: displays, assistance to permittees, and outhouse.
Forest Service personnel are available to provide: visitor information, garnet collecting instructions and assistance.
WHAT ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
- Emerald Creek Campground 4 miles east of the Garnet area. Fee is $6.00 per night per unit.
- Cedar Creek Campground 3 miles north of Clarkia on HWY 3. Fee is $6.00 per night per unit.
- Clarkia Work Center Guest Bunkhouse Rental on HWY 3 in Clarkia. (call: 208-245-1134 or 208-245-2531 for rental information).
Food, gas, and other supplies are available in Clarkia (6 miles), Fernwood (12 miles), and Emida (25 miles).
Closest Laundromat is located in St. Maries.
The nearest safe drinking water is in the Emerald Creek Campground.
