Prospecting Solo Creek // Quartz Crystals in Northeast Washington

This is an interesting location and we learned a lot on this prospecting trip which we will apply to some future trips to the area.
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Location & GPS Information:
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[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. www.patreon.com/currentlyrockhounding

[@UnityByNature]

I just keep learning like Dori keeps swimming! 😂 thank you currently!

[@GeraldBlack1]

Ya'll 🪨!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@iainwhitford7602]

Good job with the fire fighting.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@robertrhoades983]

Your a good man for putting out that camp fire.❤

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm happy to do it!

[@katiedid713926]

Thanks for extinguishing smoldering log. Omg, mail me one of those chunks you picked up and discarded. Love your adventures

[@inthewoods80]

I pulled out a really cool 1960’s metal soda can. 🤣. And got lots of mosquito bites.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Ha!

[@sandmaker]

I have been to several places while out and about with holes everywhere. After taking a look i could nevet figure out what they wete looking for. The geology said nothing. I think your right, the blind leading the blind. Keep prospecting and have fun along the way. Snokey says than you for the assist. Remember, only you can prevent forest fires! We are glad Sara has a good remote mike. Be happy, safe and stay healthy from Palm Springs this week.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Sometimes that is the case for sure.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Good job earning your "smoky the bear 🐻 plaque". That area looks like a very large group of huge prairie dogs have been digging there.

[@brianholcomb940]

Well at least you prevented a potential forest fire!👨‍🚒 Not bad cluster but don't know if I would go back! Thanks for sharing!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think the location can produce good examples but its also not something I really want to do.

[@mattrichards1492]

Awesome job on that 🔥!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@graemero5532]

Well done putting that fire out. 🔥 People not back filling those holes is poor form 😕

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The subject of holes is a complex one and I don't think its as clear as saying that not filling in holes is bad form. I have a video up on this subject called "Rockhounds Destroy Nothing // An Honest Look At The Supposed Negative Side Of Rockhounding" which you might like to watch.

[@graemero5532]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I will

[@chazwickie81]

I was out there at the beginning of September for two saturdays. I found some neat broken smaller pieces, and two larger pieces slightly smaller than my palm. I shared it on the rock rollers page. Anyway, all the pieces I found were in a sandy, loamy mix. The sandy bits reminded me of tiny shiny mica flecks and decomposed granite. It was really easy material to move with a three prong garden hand rake to scrape around and a shovel to clear out once the scrapings piled up.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you for the advice!

[@jackkollman9683]

Love hounding quartz crystals, I need to give some away I have too many!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Those make for great gifts.

[@angeliagreen]

We went up there this last summer (2022). We met a wonder lady, Gretchen, she showed us where to look. We came out with a pretty big load. I’ll see about emailing you some pics. FYI we had to get in the dangerous holes, lol.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That's good! I have a much better understanding of the area now.

[@sfbfriend]

Kudos for putting out the smolder, really irritating to see that someone walked off without checking to see that it was out. I do like the cluster, that is cool, as far as the rest, thus is rockhounding. I went out to a desert location Tuesday known for jasper and mossy agate. Brought some pieces back but not sure yet what I have because of desert varnish. What I did get for roughly 4 hours of driving is a metal splinter and I mean splinter in one tire sidewall. Slow enough leak to make it home without changing the tire but in the sidewall on a tire less than a year old. 369 dollars later I have a new tire. Thus is rockhounding...Thanks for sharing

[@leonalbert4319]

Wow I only live about 50 miles from there I`m definitely going there in the spring, I remember your first time there you weren`t very impressed back then but if your going back maybe it`s worth a look at.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think its worth exploring again but if I go back I'm going to bring people or meet people out there and dig down really deep.

[@rockfishdad]

That log burning underground is a perfect example of why they tell you to not leave fires unattended. Thanks for putting it out, that's scary even on a wet September day. Great video as always, looking forward to learning more of the 'tricks' you've picked up when you go back.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm a little surprised at how much water it really took to put out, we went back and fourth with buckets for a long time.

[@kennyball3568]

I dig up there at least twice a year maybe next time you head up I can meet up with you and show you a few things to make your trip worth it

[@davidstarr3566]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Sweetheart Jarod!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@charlespaugh]

I’d be so worried about finding an unwelcome rattlesnake 😆

[@cliffmiller1021]

Guest appearances Smokey the Bear and a squirrel. With what you were able to find, what was the host material? It looked like compressed gravel.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Following the granite seams to where it opens up into pockets of quartz seems like the way to go.

[@DingusKhan54]

Just spoke with Smokey D. Bear. He sends his thanks. However, plaques have been discontinued as they are not sustainable. jk You did a great service and I thank you!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Ha! Thank you!

[@jimlancaster6120]

Great job Smokey Bear, that could have been the next forest fire. And now to the rest of the story.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@shurpie8232]

Thought that spot looked familiar. Rock Goblin did a video on Solo Creek a bit ago

[@ocklawahaboyrocks]

Very similar to going to Hiddenite NC. Hundreds of holes and only a few with any potential.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It sure can make for a confusing situation.

[@raygay3375]

Did anyone else notice what sounded like a rattlesnake @ 15:44?

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving…🦃 Thanks for sharing your discoveries Every week…

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

[@FurrKnight]

Welll done on putting out that fire! the video was very entertaining as well

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@spetkovsek57]

I think you prevented a forest fire for sure. Good catch. Those who left it behind without making sure it was out should be ashamed of themselves. If you had found some good Smokey Quartz points, what would you do with them? Just display? Jewelry? Give aways?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Pretty much I just want one or two for display purposes to represent the location in my collection.

[@420triptrap]

Love the video! Did you absolutely need a car with 4wd or will AWD make it on the trails?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Any car can make it to this location.

[@420triptrap]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding awesome I don't have a GPs and was trying to figure out the best route up there I heard alot of people.say the easier route is up and around thru Idaho but I'm coming from western WA

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@420triptrap You don't have a cellphone?

[@420triptrap]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I do I was just under the impression it was farther back into the country try then I suspected, is there snow around this time a year there as well similar to Hanson creek? Ty for all your help

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@420triptrap So you do have GPS if you have a phone. I suggest you always search current weather conditions before going anywhere.

[@offyarocka]

Man that spot looked like a warzone 😭😭😭 isnt back filling your holes a thing over there? This why I mostly noodle for rocks🤠🤠🤠 Looks like that spot has been fished out

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I would say its a rather complex subject. I actually have a full video up on it called Rockhounds Destroy Nothing // An Honest Look At The Supposed Negative Side Of Rockhounding which explains my thoughts on it better than I ever could on a comment.

[@offyarocka]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Here in Australia we have to apply for a fossicking license to be able to rockhound and one of the rules is to backfill excavations.

[@rachaelb9164]

@@offyarocka technically you’re supposed to follow the rockhounding code of conduct which includes backfilling and not destroying an area (aka digging under roots and killing trees).

[@cailinanne]

Holy crap, I legit think you just saved the forest from burning down… I’m petty I would have called land manager/rangers (whatever land it is) and snitched. If it was a camp site you reserve anyway. 😂

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah this is just kind of out in the woods away from everyone and everything so really there's no one to call.

[@cailinanne]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I had a feeling. Im so glad you were there!!

[@CC-vw1cs]

Shocking people don't put out fires completely esp in light of recent fires, glad you were there !

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Even more shocking that there was abundant water on sight.

[@gregderksen1996]

Well if you’re looking for cheap labour, I’d be happy to lend a pick/shovel. Gotta go to Spokane anyways to get some rocks from Ragnar. Shipping costs across the border are insane! So may as well kill two birds with one crystal/rock lol! Hopefully i can take a week late spring/early summer and hit up that star garnet site in Idaho and a few other places like the wild turkey. You’ll probably see my plans on discord anyways, so any feedback would be appreciated at the time.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

If you come here and don't tell me ill be disappointed, it would be great to meet you some time.

[@gregderksen1996]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding there’s no doubt I’ll hit you up. first round is on me!

[@TarnishedViking.]

WOW! You guys just saved Northeast Washington from burning down! Underground fires are nothing to sneeze at. Look at Centralia Pa. Again, Good eyes 👀. You guys rock 💚🤘👍

[@TarnishedViking.]

Oh" Nice little prospecting finds!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I guess you never really know how those little fires will turn out.

[@patrickkillilea5225]

I love quartz crystals. To find some even better. I think it takes some amount of good luck and a bunch of hard work to dig and find a great pocket. Maybe probably could be, right under your feet???

[@1sec2midnight]

Nice prospecting. Thanks for spotting and putting out that fire. Not much to find there this time. Thanks for taking us along.

[@DonohueLabs]

Did you get a sense of how thick or continuous the granodiorite was? I wouldn't expect much for those nice crystals within it, but maybe near a contact...? Or if the granodiorite had regions of coarser crystals, maybe there could be pockets? So many questions raised.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I feel like I came away from this visit with more unanswered questions than anything else. Also that a larger number of the holes here are people just blindly digging without a reason.

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

Looked cold~ 🥶 Thanks as always for sharing. Great job putting out that darn fire! So many folks are just oblivious to how their actions or inactions affect the world around them~ Argh!! Those underground fires can burn for months on end before erupting back out. Thanks again!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It was a chilly day for sure.

[@alexj9111]

Awesome quartz, they look similar to bristol diamonds, a type of quartz that comes from bristol in england.

[@RagnarRocks]

Hit and Miss is right with those spots! Looking forward to digging out there with you guys next year!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Since going up to this location and filming this video I have a much better idea of what to look for and do in the coming summer.

[@fikstuf]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Would be nice to join in on a Trip this spring. We have lots of Days/ hours experience at crystal park and Idaho. should be similar.

[@savagesquirrel9828]

I appreciate you doing this. Too many places are ill-described. When that happens, the hounder has no idea of tools needed, where to look, or time required to find anything.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@rockprincess]

Pretty awesome that you put out that fire! 🙌🏼 You guys are awesome! I love the cluster. ✨

[@SomethingDifferently]

Good on you for getting that log out. Too many fires in the last few years have been started by negligence just like that. On another note, those spots you checked out seem interesting. You didn't seem to find much, but those holes and digs imply that there is something worth finding. Going to add this one to my list for this coming spring/summer, and see what might be found with a good bit of shoveling!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

There is things worth finding but not all of those big holes means someone found something. I think going back with a crew of people to take turns digging would be the best beat.

[@dustinfindsrocks]

I’m guessing that at that location you have a situation where there might be some good veins or vugs but it seems pretty isolated. My method is to check washes and work my way up the slope to try and locate the source of any alluvial finds. Not sure if that method would work in an igneous geology setting, but it’s fabulous in sedimentary environments like where I’m at because the quartz is so hard and the host rock it formed in is mostly all carbonates that are slowly dissolving over time. Quartz/chalcedony is my favorite mineral to collect by far because of its beauty durability and basically infinite variety. I think it’s fascinating that it forms in both igneous and sedimentary rocks by basically the same process. You just need hot or cold water silica and some space inside the rock and bam! Take the giant druse quartz plate or Arkansas crystal saber point from my hand and let your journey to the dark sedimentary side be complete. (Cackles) Oh I’m afraid we even have agate and geode nodules here more beautiful and abundant than your rebel Rhyolite thunder eggs. Pluck more crystals off the ground surface collecting than you can carry in less than 4 hours in the midwestern sedimentary empire. Mwahahahaha! Your igneous quartz alliance is no match for the the sedimentary empire!!! 😂 jk great video Jared! And if you love or hate Star Wars I hope you’re chuckling

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think its a hard situation up there for a number of reasons the whole hillside is sliding some, the amount of overburden is a pain to deal with and you can't really follow what other people have started it would seem. Someday I would like get out to sedimentary land and check some of it out first hand!

[@largent45]

Thank goodness you were there digging because you saved a potential forest fire from some careless person! And two people can be right saying opposite things about a locale. They can be 2 feet away from each other and one be in a pocket and the other not on it at all. And if you are going off of the same gps coordinates, if the first person mined out the pocket, then all others after him, will find nothing. The odds of that happening can be pretty high with some minerals, but with quartz, i doubt it. Its way too common. I think you just need to find a good vein. And just like all good prospectors, you keep looking until you find it! Thanks for sharing your trip. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Sarah and of course, Laika!

[@appleatchaadventure7664]

I award you a Smokey the Bear official plaque! (Important Notice: I have no authority to make any awards)

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Ha! Thank you!

[@nmrocks7310]

Perfect video! You and Sarah are so intelligent and articulate. I heard in one of your other videos that someone said your channel is boring. Well, I've been watching for seven months now and sometimes twice in a day. Not once was a board. You guys are the best Rockhound couple on the web!, and I put out the intentions for your next trip you are going to find museum pieces. Thanks again so much for what you do.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I do get people from time to time saying that my videos are boring but they don't stick around long. I guess its because we show the ups and downs of this hobby vs. the highlights.

[@sierra8009]

How exactly does one get to this location? I went once with our rock rollers club but i was in the back seat. I want to take my mom there tomorrow

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's listed as a location on my website.

[@outdooradventureswithfayde6832]

Nice location. Good scouting. I think that was very good of you guys to come across the fire and was able to extinguish it much better. Should be good karma and hopefully get some nicer crystals when you return. Lots of random holes out there, hahaha. Nice cluster though. I like your investigation and deductive reasoning when your out prospecting.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I saw enough during this visit and talked with a few different people since this video that I have much better understanding of the location.

[@ArtNSpice]

Sadly they shut it down to the public this year 😢

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

They did, this tends to happen at crystal locations.

[@robbybobby64]

Never seen holes dug like those without a reason. Odd that there isn’t more crystal pieces on the surface. The better the ones left behind the better the ones they took is my thought. Kudos on putting out the fire.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have seen it at a number of locations someone sees some digging or is told to here and digs next to it and on and on it goes but up here at this exact location I think some of them have promise but some or a lot of the area does not.

[@erickillg811]

This is just my guess because I would consider myself a beginner I’ve only been to a couple of locations to dig here in Washington. Hansen creek and red top. They’re both different minerals but yet similar. Kind of. From what I experienced. You need to dig down 2 to 3 feet to get to a Sandy loam layer. Once you get to that later that’s where I found my best specimens. So I’m guessing people are just digging holes everywhere going down to a certain range and then losing interest because they haven’t found anything worthwhile. Like you were saying that area doesn’t really have any specific directions on exactly where to dig , sometimes the better specimens are higher up the mountain. Maybe this is the case for this area I don’t know. I’m just speculating. I always enjoy your videos and the information you give thanks again I’ve learned a lot from you.

[@fibberscloset498]

I don't quite understand. If you're looking at a dig where someone has gone to a lot of trouble, and apparently pulled out whatever they found of value, and you come along after they're done and proclaim that there's nothing there, then what are you doing? I love your channel, but don't understand your reasoning for looking at exhausted digs and stating that they were wasting their time. You could only do that if you knew what they took out of that particular hole. What am I missing?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think you're missing a lot with your assessment here. You look at what has already been done, look at what has been left behind, and add to the local geological knowledge and use all of that to determine whats good and whats not. Effort doesn't equal they found anything at all.

[@rickbeal1544]

Its closed

[@keithcunningham7925]

That is not worth it there not to much of anything I wouldn't go back not worth the time. Thank you for putting that fire 🔥 out smoky the bear 🐻 😆

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I tend to agree with you here but you never know unless you look.

[@dustinfindsrocks]

💎👀😆 first!