Yay! Our luck followed you to the blues!!! Right on! What a day. I really enjoyed this. Its nice to know that there's still some blues out there to be found. Thanks a lot for sharing! And BTW I'm still smiling from our hunt. Good times😎 Happy Hunting my friend🏞
Blues are like gold all the easy stuff has been found. That was my thought when I first got there and started finding agate right away, the luck came with me. I just got off the phone telling my brother about how much fun we had finding jasper on the river. He is coming out for a few days and we are going to be doing a bit of hunting together. I dug my saw out of storage so now I am going to start cutting some rock. May the good luck stay with ya thru all your hunts!
@@OldGuyAdventures yeah I kept thinking...man I should have followed him there! Haha! There's a blue...and there's a blue. Just awesome. I'm so happy for ya. Hope the luck stays with you thru your adventures as well and happy hunting with your brother! 😊🏞
@@OldGuyAdventures I would love to be able to take my girlfriend and daughter out to find some agates. We've been to the redtop area a time or two and have found quite a bit of jasper, some banded agate and alot of chert. Our next adventure is going to take us up along snoqualimie pass to try and find some nice crystals for me to make into some family jewelry. If you dont mind sharing a rough location as to where we could find some of these agates, I would be forever indebted. I dont usually get much time in spring, summer and fall due to being a wildland firefighter, and then a volunteer the rest of the year. So our very limited time out means we rarely get to explore as much as we would like to unfortunately. Any help with pointing me in the right direction would be amazing. You can contact me directly at cryhendricks@gmail.com iv you decide yes. Either way tho, thank you for sharing your adventures. Your videos always keep me wanting to dig deeper!! Safe travels Sir!!
@@coreyhendricks2405 I don't if you have ever watched the youtube video that Nick Zentner has done on Ellensburg Blues. He is the professor of geology at CWU. He talks about the geology of the area that blues have been found. He talks about the different formations in the area and that is key to looking in the right location for blues. He also talks about a old stream that used to run thru Green Canyon, but does not anymore because First Creek cut thru it and changed the flow. Today we still have the Green canyon so you know the elevation that the blues had to be higher then to be deposited out in the Kittitas valley, We know First creek cut thru the old channel, so that takes away any area lower then that point. Now you have to visualize what the landscape could have looked like back at the time when a stream was flowing thru Green canyon and then get on google earth and look at the area that you narrowed it down too. In that area will give you the best chance of finding a blue. They are rare to find, even if you don't find one you will find lots of other agates and geodes. Good Hunting!
nice video! a lot of these are so bad, you did a great job! I hunted Rock-N-tomahawk a few yrs back and found small E Blues and made a few tiny cabs. Had them checked to be sure they were true E Blues. Lots of other Blue agates that turn to gray like you say.
You have to go up the Reecer Creek roas until it turns into National Forest road. Stay on the road until you get to NFS 3507 and stay on it until you come to Crystal mountain. The area around the mountain has abundant agates and geodes
Hi! I just wanted to pop in and say that we went to this spot this past weekend and found small bits. I'd love to email you and pick your brain if possible. We had a great time! Thanks for your videos!
I also would like to see your specimens at home so I'm number three to say let's see your collection. And nice finds with the blues, thanks for the field trip.
My boys and I have a few spots which produce every year. I just found a Google Earth KMZ geological overlay showing the Teanaway formation and lo and behold our favorite spots are all in the basalt layer. Times they have changed. Happy hunting.
Yes they have, all the knowledge used to get passed down from the older generation and a few books. Now all you have to do is go online and its all at your finger tips. Happy hunting!
Pretty cool I find a lot of the sugar agates and the moss ones here in Massachusetts I have a few beaches close by that have lots of jasper and agates . I never find any blues or any pretty colors like that . I’m looking and it’s fun just to get out there
This area is the upper First creek, you have to go up Reecer creek road and then take the road that leads you to Ellensburg agate collection area that is part of the Mineral council now. I was on the road just before you get to the mining area
I was just watching your video and curious if you mind helping point me in a good direction to find some of these bluish Agates? I take my kids out a lot for Carnelians but we don't find much colors outside of the Reds, Yellows, and whites where we normally go. Cool video, thanks for that!
Sounds like you live in the southwestern part of the state. The mountains that are in the Teanaway basalt formation have the possiblity of having bluish agates. I have never found a area that I can walk into and know for sure that I am going to find blue agates. If you get into the upper First creek area, most the hills in that area have some sort of agate on them and that area is known for having nice sized geodes
Yes that is Mt. Rainier looking at it from the east side of the Cascades and from that same location to the left you can see Mt. Adams also, but they are to far apart to get in the same picture
I have been mining for over 40 years and wherever I go, the flora in the area is the same color as the rocks you are looking for and it gets pretty frustrating when you think you've found something and it's just the flora and not a special rock.
@@OldGuyAdventures Then I guess you wouldn't have to experience thinking you have found something when, in fact, it was just a flower or a leaf the same color as what you are looking for.
I have picked up pieces of bark thinking I found something only to find out it just only has the same shape. I do see colors just not like most people do. If they are bright and solid I see them quite well, if they get blended then not so good
I won't give them the blue classification until after I work them a bit. Ellensburg Blue is rare to find and I have found agates before that I thought were real good only to be disappointed. I will be cutting some of the rock that I recently collected and when I show that I will post a couple pictures of some Ellensburg jewelry I had done.
@@OldGuyAdventures do you ever share location data? I'm heading to the ellensburg area on Monday and would love any pointers for blues. I will try that small public parcel in the alluvial fan, also unless you think it's a waste of time.
@@mattrichards1492 This time of year it will be difficult to get into any of the areas due to snow. I myself will not hunt those areas until after Memorial day. You might be able to get into First creek along the road, but that is area that gets lots of traffic. I haven't spent a lot of time in the alluvial fan area, mostly because a lot of it is on private property. Your best chance for blues in that area is along the edge of the Teanaway basalts where they come close to the Columbian basalts and if you see any rhyolite in the area your more likely to find better material.
It's my experience that wherever I go mining, there are flowers, leaves or other rocks that camoflage (sp?) what you are looking for. It's like nature is trying to keep the rocks in the ground. It can be really frustrating but it sure it amazing how nature works. I wish you could tell me where you are mining and how to get there.
I put directions to that area in a reply to Joshua Barrett , it will get you into the area. In the flowers and bushes is the last people look for rocks, so its more likely that is where the best stuff is still at. Thanks for watching!
Do you ever use a water spray bottle? It seems you would reveal more agate bits and chips that way. And what do you mean when you say they "lose their color"? Are you talking about gradations in coloring within the stone?
They lose their color, I don't know if its from the stone being warmed up or what. You can pick up a stone that has a nice blue color and put it in your pocket and after a while bring it out and it will be grey. I don't carry a spray bottle, if I have water its for me and I can use it if I feel that I must
Most of the good blue hunting areas are in the valley and its privately owned. You can go into the State and National forest around the Liberty WA. area and find agates, once in a while you might get a blue one. The First creek area is popular and blues have been found in the area.
I think you might be a little late for this area, I am sure snow has already covered the area and this weekend more will get added. The area is in the upper part of First creek, you have to drive up Reecer creek rd.
When does the snow melt generally speaking in this area? Was wanting to plan a trip to watch a Nick Zentner lecture and go rock hunting while I’m there.
Why would those lose their blue color they're so beautiful, wow somewhat looks like larimar. I wonder do you take some of the Matrix off somehow before you tumble them? I would know I'm just asking. They glow
Not sure why they do it, I have picked up some beautiful blue stones only to have the color disappear. When you do find one that does not lose its color, then you can have a stone worth quite a bit of money. Thats what keeps people searching for them.
if you ever back to Ellesnburg, let me know i live here i can show you some good spots, Edit: i know exactly were you are at the spot with the host rock. better dig. lol i find them egg size up there.
I have a feeling by now there is a bit of snow at that place. I won't get back over there until snow melts. When I do I will let you know and we will see if we can get a trip together.
I really want to find blue agates. I went to tomahawk ranch on Sunday and was really windy. I really enjoyed it but no blue. I found different agates. How far is where you hunt from tomahawk ranch. Thank you. Happy hunt.
This video was amazing, my girlfriend is coming to visit Washington and I was gonna take her rock hunting for the first time! Would you be willing to give coordinates to this location? The info already provided was exceptional thank you.
You drive up Reecer Creek road to the end and it will turn into Forest Service road #35 continue up the hill until you come to Forest Service road #3507 which will be on the left and it will have a yellow gate and the road is paved or at least one time was. Go on that road until you come to the 2nd well used gravel road, which is about 3 or 4 miles from the gate. Turn left on it and follow it down the hill, you will come to a Y in the road, stay to the right. About 2 miles from the Y you will see where people have been digging on the hill right along side the road. Go right where they have been digging and search the area around the digging area. You will find agates and if your lucky you may find one that will hold its color. If you pass the area and keep driving down the road you will come to a stream the flows across the road, you have driven to far, turn around a drive back about 1,500 feet. that whole hillside has agates, some are just better then others. Good luck and have fun. I have taken many first time rockhounders there and they all found good agates.
I did live in Ellensburg for about 5 years, just moved back to the west side. I still go over quite often though and some day I may move back over to the east side.
Super fun to watch! Hope to see more soon!
Thanks for watching, been working lots of hours so not able to get out. But will get back out soon
@@OldGuyAdventures gotta work hard so you can play harder! Cant wait though!
Yay! Our luck followed you to the blues!!! Right on! What a day. I really enjoyed this. Its nice to know that there's still some blues out there to be found. Thanks a lot for sharing! And BTW I'm still smiling from our hunt. Good times😎
Happy Hunting my friend🏞
Blues are like gold all the easy stuff has been found. That was my thought when I first got there and started finding agate right away, the luck came with me. I just got off the phone telling my brother about how much fun we had finding jasper on the river. He is coming out for a few days and we are going to be doing a bit of hunting together. I dug my saw out of storage so now I am going to start cutting some rock. May the good luck stay with ya thru all your hunts!
@@OldGuyAdventures yeah I kept thinking...man I should have followed him there! Haha! There's a blue...and there's a blue. Just awesome. I'm so happy for ya.
Hope the luck stays with you thru your adventures as well and happy hunting with your brother! 😊🏞
@@OldGuyAdventures I would love to be able to take my girlfriend and daughter out to find some agates. We've been to the redtop area a time or two and have found quite a bit of jasper, some banded agate and alot of chert. Our next adventure is going to take us up along snoqualimie pass to try and find some nice crystals for me to make into some family jewelry. If you dont mind sharing a rough location as to where we could find some of these agates, I would be forever indebted. I dont usually get much time in spring, summer and fall due to being a wildland firefighter, and then a volunteer the rest of the year. So our very limited time out means we rarely get to explore as much as we would like to unfortunately. Any help with pointing me in the right direction would be amazing. You can contact me directly at cryhendricks@gmail.com iv you decide yes. Either way tho, thank you for sharing your adventures. Your videos always keep me wanting to dig deeper!! Safe travels Sir!!
@@coreyhendricks2405 I don't if you have ever watched the youtube video that Nick Zentner has done on Ellensburg Blues. He is the professor of geology at CWU. He talks about the geology of the area that blues have been found. He talks about the different formations in the area and that is key to looking in the right location for blues. He also talks about a old stream that used to run thru Green Canyon, but does not anymore because First Creek cut thru it and changed the flow. Today we still have the Green canyon so you know the elevation that the blues had to be higher then to be deposited out in the Kittitas valley, We know First creek cut thru the old channel, so that takes away any area lower then that point. Now you have to visualize what the landscape could have looked like back at the time when a stream was flowing thru Green canyon and then get on google earth and look at the area that you narrowed it down too. In that area will give you the best chance of finding a blue. They are rare to find, even if you don't find one you will find lots of other agates and geodes. Good Hunting!
@@MarlainaAtkins I would have never got ya off that hill, you would still be digging.
The flowers are native penstamons
nice video! a lot of these are so bad, you did a great job! I hunted Rock-N-tomahawk a few yrs back and found small E Blues and made a few tiny cabs. Had them checked to be sure they were true E Blues. Lots of other Blue agates that turn to gray like you say.
Thank you! I learned long ago not to get excited about the agates you find until you get them home and do a few tests. Thanks for watching
Like hunting for little blue Easter eggs! Great finds! Thanks for sharing the fun.
I have blue fluorite and if i leave it in the sun it loses it's color.
Such pretty pale colours, I even like the white and grey. Thank-you.
Most is private property. Can you share where there is public land to search?
You have to go up the Reecer Creek roas until it turns into National Forest road. Stay on the road until you get to NFS 3507 and stay on it until you come to Crystal mountain. The area around the mountain has abundant agates and geodes
@@OldGuyAdventures Thank you so much! I can't wait to go looking around.
Hi! I just wanted to pop in and say that we went to this spot this past weekend and found small bits. I'd love to email you and pick your brain if possible. We had a great time! Thanks for your videos!
My email is krisellis00@gmail.com
@@OldGuyAdventures thanks I'll email you!
I also would like to see your specimens at home so I'm number three to say let's see your collection. And nice finds with the blues, thanks for the field trip.
Thank you! I have some pictures of a couple Ellensburg blues I had made into jewelry, I will post them soon.
Ragnar ❤️ Agates
Just subbed! I drive through ellensberg monthly. Next I need to find a hill and start hunting
Best part of Ellensburg area is that most the hills out toward Blewett Pass have something on them. Good luck hunting
My boys and I have a few spots which produce every year. I just found a Google Earth KMZ geological overlay showing the Teanaway formation and lo and behold our favorite spots are all in the basalt layer. Times they have changed.
Happy hunting.
Yes they have, all the knowledge used to get passed down from the older generation and a few books. Now all you have to do is go online and its all at your finger tips. Happy hunting!
@@OldGuyAdventures what roads did you you take out of ellensburg?
Pretty cool I find a lot of the sugar agates and the moss ones here in Massachusetts I have a few beaches close by that have lots of jasper and agates . I never find any blues or any pretty colors like that . I’m looking and it’s fun just to get out there
Thats all that matters is just beng out there. I go on many hunts and don't find a thing, but I am always happy that I went
Where are you hunting?
This area is the upper First creek, you have to go up Reecer creek road and then take the road that leads you to Ellensburg agate collection area that is part of the Mineral council now. I was on the road just before you get to the mining area
@@OldGuyAdventures ever need someone to go with I'm interested!
I was just watching your video and curious if you mind helping point me in a good direction to find some of these bluish Agates? I take my kids out a lot for Carnelians but we don't find much colors outside of the Reds, Yellows, and whites where we normally go. Cool video, thanks for that!
Sounds like you live in the southwestern part of the state. The mountains that are in the Teanaway basalt formation have the possiblity of having bluish agates. I have never found a area that I can walk into and know for sure that I am going to find blue agates. If you get into the upper First creek area, most the hills in that area have some sort of agate on them and that area is known for having nice sized geodes
Beautiful up there! Is that Rainier in the background?
Yes that is Mt. Rainier looking at it from the east side of the Cascades and from that same location to the left you can see Mt. Adams also, but they are to far apart to get in the same picture
@@OldGuyAdventures gorgeous! Panoramic does the trick but definitely tough to get it in the frame of your video lol
Yoh, buddy, at 1:33 you missed an arrowhead by less than a foot. Like your vids. I'm an old dude, too.
Yep thats broken basalt, there is a bunch of it up there that looks just like that.
Fun watching you treasure hunt.
Thanks for watching!
I have been mining for over 40 years and wherever I go, the flora in the area is the same color as the rocks you are looking for and it gets pretty frustrating when you think you've found something and it's just the flora and not a special rock.
I am color blind so I have to look for shapes more often than colors
@@OldGuyAdventures Then I guess you wouldn't have to experience thinking you have found something when, in fact, it was just a flower or a leaf the same color as what you are looking for.
I have picked up pieces of bark thinking I found something only to find out it just only has the same shape. I do see colors just not like most people do. If they are bright and solid I see them quite well, if they get blended then not so good
I love this spot
So, these are the famous Ellensburg blues! It wouldbe nice to see some of your tumbled specimens. BTW, sharp eyes!
I won't give them the blue classification until after I work them a bit. Ellensburg Blue is rare to find and I have found agates before that I thought were real good only to be disappointed. I will be cutting some of the rock that I recently collected and when I show that I will post a couple pictures of some Ellensburg jewelry I had done.
@@OldGuyAdventures do you ever share location data? I'm heading to the ellensburg area on Monday and would love any pointers for blues. I will try that small public parcel in the alluvial fan, also unless you think it's a waste of time.
@@mattrichards1492 This time of year it will be difficult to get into any of the areas due to snow. I myself will not hunt those areas until after Memorial day. You might be able to get into First creek along the road, but that is area that gets lots of traffic. I haven't spent a lot of time in the alluvial fan area, mostly because a lot of it is on private property. Your best chance for blues in that area is along the edge of the Teanaway basalts where they come close to the Columbian basalts and if you see any rhyolite in the area your more likely to find better material.
@@OldGuyAdventures thanks! I watched a few of your videos and realized that it would be snowed in now.
It's my experience that wherever I go mining, there are flowers, leaves or other rocks that camoflage (sp?) what you are looking for. It's like nature is trying to keep the rocks in the ground. It can be really frustrating but it sure it amazing how nature works. I wish you could tell me where you are mining and how to get there.
I put directions to that area in a reply to Joshua Barrett , it will get you into the area. In the flowers and bushes is the last people look for rocks, so its more likely that is where the best stuff is still at. Thanks for watching!
Do you ever use a water spray bottle? It seems you would reveal more agate bits and chips that way.
And what do you mean when you say they "lose their color"? Are you talking about gradations in coloring within the stone?
They lose their color, I don't know if its from the stone being warmed up or what. You can pick up a stone that has a nice blue color and put it in your pocket and after a while bring it out and it will be grey. I don't carry a spray bottle, if I have water its for me and I can use it if I feel that I must
Sorry for the late reply, youtube doesn't always notify me when I get a message
I wish to go to this spot
Where exactly can I go near Ellensburg to look for E-Burg Blues?
Most of the good blue hunting areas are in the valley and its privately owned. You can go into the State and National forest around the Liberty WA. area and find agates, once in a while you might get a blue one. The First creek area is popular and blues have been found in the area.
@@OldGuyAdventures Thanks so much for the info. I want to start looking pretty soon before it starts to get hot!
where is this? I haven't gone hunting in a while and definately want to go before snow hits!
I think you might be a little late for this area, I am sure snow has already covered the area and this weekend more will get added. The area is in the upper part of First creek, you have to drive up Reecer creek rd.
When does the snow melt generally speaking in this area? Was wanting to plan a trip to watch a Nick Zentner lecture and go rock hunting while I’m there.
What is the crocodile foot looking thing at 2:19?
That is a piece of bark from the nearby trees, does kinda look like crocodile skin
Why would those lose their blue color they're so beautiful, wow somewhat looks like larimar. I wonder do you take some of the Matrix off somehow before you tumble them? I would know I'm just asking. They glow
Not sure why they do it, I have picked up some beautiful blue stones only to have the color disappear. When you do find one that does not lose its color, then you can have a stone worth quite a bit of money. Thats what keeps people searching for them.
Yes I'd love to see some of the stuff you tumble.
if you ever back to Ellesnburg, let me know i live here i can show you some good spots, Edit: i know exactly were you are at the spot with the host rock. better dig. lol i find them egg size up there.
I have a feeling by now there is a bit of snow at that place. I won't get back over there until snow melts. When I do I will let you know and we will see if we can get a trip together.
Old Guy Adventures can i come with you guys i’m new to hounding and i live in renton but would make the trip
Old Guy Adventures i can serve as muscle if anything
I really want to find blue agates. I went to tomahawk ranch on Sunday and was really windy. I really enjoyed it but no blue. I found different agates. How far is where you hunt from tomahawk ranch. Thank you. Happy hunt.
@@stefanradev7001 iv never been to the ranch iv wanted to but have not, the place i go is not to far, just more in the moutains
This video was amazing, my girlfriend is coming to visit Washington and I was gonna take her rock hunting for the first time! Would you be willing to give coordinates to this location? The info already provided was exceptional thank you.
You drive up Reecer Creek road to the end and it will turn into Forest Service road #35 continue up the hill until you come to Forest Service road #3507 which will be on the left and it will have a yellow gate and the road is paved or at least one time was. Go on that road until you come to the 2nd well used gravel road, which is about 3 or 4 miles from the gate. Turn left on it and follow it down the hill, you will come to a Y in the road, stay to the right. About 2 miles from the Y you will see where people have been digging on the hill right along side the road. Go right where they have been digging and search the area around the digging area. You will find agates and if your lucky you may find one that will hold its color. If you pass the area and keep driving down the road you will come to a stream the flows across the road, you have driven to far, turn around a drive back about 1,500 feet. that whole hillside has agates, some are just better then others. Good luck and have fun. I have taken many first time rockhounders there and they all found good agates.
Where in Ellensburg where you?
I was in the upper watershed of First creek
I need to visit Washington. :)
Where would you be traveling from
Muskegon, Michigan
I guess it wouldn't be a day trip
Nope! Thank you for sharing your adventures. Watching helps get me through until I can see rocks again. 😉
Here I thought you lived around E'burg. Nice hunting Thank you for sharing.
I did live in Ellensburg for about 5 years, just moved back to the west side. I still go over quite often though and some day I may move back over to the east side.
I cut stones and would love to cut some BLUE...Got any?
No I have none for sale. They are rare to find and when you find one you keep it
Time to check your glasses prescription. I see a bunch on the video that you are missing. Oh well, more for me. GOOD HUNTING BROTHER...
I always leave a few for seed