Find Your Rock Collection on the Yellowstone River

Looking to find some cool rocks at a river close to you? Me too...and since I live near the coolest river in the world, the Yellowstone River, Boom I am there.
It was another cold, wintery day for me, but I headed out to the rocky river gravel bed in town hoping to find the coolest rocks on the Yellowstone River (Why not, right!). Another river rock adventure sure found me as I slipped on some shale and fell in the river. Yep, into the river. The icy, cold, rock filled fast flowing Yellowstone. Boy is was fridgid! Luckily the sun came out and warmed me up a bit. Rocks, rocks, and more rocks...such lovely finds. Do I think they are cool? Ummm...yes! The coolest! There's a blue agate with yellow banding--oh my goodness it is sweet! Also a very large jasper with botroydial pockets- and many more!
By the way, is anyone missing a cowboy boot? LoL.
Looking to learn about Yellowstone River agates? This is a publication from 1972 by a man named Paul Fry. This was the very first literature I read when I was learning about Montana agates. It is called "Meanderings of a Montana Rockhound" and it is priceless:
pdf4pro.com/vi...
Here is another page with great information on Montana Agates by Jim Landon called "Montana Agate: The Best Catch on the Yellowstone River" :
www.rockngem.c...
For all those asking, I do not sell my rocks. As my supply permits, I do rock trades. So, if you have some nice specimens you think I would like to add to my collection, we can trade via any size flat rate post office box. Or, if you are an artist or have something else you think I would like, that's an option too! Please be patient as I have lots of emails and sometimes miss some. If you are wanting to purchase some Montana rocks, I have listed the Stores below of two fellow Montana Rockhounds KatyDidRocks and Theo Kellison, great friends of mine.
As far as places I rockhound, greater than 90% of the time I utilize PUBLIC fishing access spots on the Yellowstone river. KatyDidRocks has a great book out on all the places us Montana rockhounds like to go on the Lower Yellowstone River:
www.etsy.com/l...
While you are there, check out her store! She has some fantastic Montana rocks for purchase.
KatyDidRocks Etsy Store:
www.etsy.com/s...
Also, if you follow Theo Kellison on KZbin, another fantastic Montana Rockhound, he has an Etsy Store with rocks for sale as well:
www.etsy.com/s...
Thanks for following and Rock On!
Best of luck on all your hounding adventures.
Thanks for coming along and supporting my channel.
Here are some affiliate links to anything I have been asked for by my subscribers or people who have watched my videos. These are essentially "My Favorite Things." I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. If there is anything else you would like me to provide a link for, please let me know.
Link to the digital microscope I use:
amzn.to/3q5s9ce
Link to the pick-ax rock hammer I use:
amzn.to/33cmFmU
Link to the rock hammer I use to "crack rocks open":
amzn.to/3JQyq3y
Link to the grit I use when tumbling rocks:
amzn.to/3HI2AnA
Link to the battery-operated water bottle sprayer I use:
amzn.to/3F4z3mu
Beginner Rock Tumbler I recommend:
amzn.to/31Br7vf
Link to the mineral oil I use in my rock saw:
amzn.to/33fiFSA
Link to the hats I wear:
amzn.to/3q0N689
Link to summer rockhounding/kayaking/fishing SPF shirts I wear:
amzn.to/3F9QbXQ
#findcoolrocks
#coolrocksnearme
#findingcoolrocks

[@mrfxm55]

You really love those silica gas bubbles frozen in time don't you? I think I've seen you pick up those looking like a set of teeth smiling too lol. That one that's really colorful looks like something called porcelain jasper. That last mustard yellow huge one you left looked like plume. Nice to see you have time to forage in-between the bad weather have a good New Years ⛄❄️

[@MontanaRockMom]

Yes...love the gas bubbles frozen in time. I always start to daydream and find myself getting lost in thoughts of the formation process. The teeth smiling at me make me smile. Plume is so great. Gosh...if I could have fit more I would have. Ahhhh porcelain jasper.... okay. It's quite breathtaking. I still can remember finding that one very vividly in my mind...seeing it for the first time. The mix of colors, the pattern. The quality of the rock, how nice it felt in my hands. I love that one.

[@mrfxm55]

@@MontanaRockMom well yes the silica gas bubble is very close to what it actually is. It would be molten lava made of silica clear meaning devoid of any coloring agents and just gas to expand or contract it before it settled to cool. If it's the same thing but colored say red then iron was introduced into it for instance. The bubbles may have existed in shelf with other less thick material and weathered out staying together because of its hardness vs other types of materials and found it's way into a river where you found it. All or most of your stones you find are volcanic in nature as to how they formed. The jaspers are like layers of fine grained sands that melted together. The plumes and Moss are quite different they likely went through melted then cooled and melted and twisted several times and had different elements added to it all throughout it's formation. It's how you get something that looks like art rather than just a rock. The brecciated are those that got crushed remelted and cooled several times all due to volcanism over several 100s of millions of years.

[@lindaleeahulsey5299]

CHOPPERS WILD feasting SOooo much better! Loyal following your NEW FINDS....that bright yellow one made me CRAZY to see DROGON slab it .....but MRM finds gorgeous, that one with Indigo Gabo & RED a CRAZY AGATE mix to me. Beautiful CHUNKY round agatized opalized PETRIFIED WOOD too much to believe, REAL. GREAT FINDS ALL the time. Nice DAY.....HEAVYWEIGHT, CHAMPION Thank U.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I heart ❤ 💙 💜 you

[@sandmaker]

C H O P P E R !!!! I can see why that part of the river is one of your favorites. Goodies everywhere. Loved the intro you have a nack for the artistic. I can't wait to see Drogon munch on your rocks. Thanks for sharing your time and great rockhounding adventures. If you really liked that hammer get a magnet on a roap and go back fishing for it. Of course the big magnet will probably cost as much as the hammer, so never mind. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒ OK, lets talk. Im glad you only lost your hammer. There are life vests that deploy on contact with water or when you pull the lanyard. You could have become a statistic on the river. I'm glad you had dry clothes, but even happier you were able to get out alive. Please be more careful we would miss your smiling face and so would Chopper. OK, preaching over. Keep the the goodness coming and not from Ghost Mom.

[@kint79]

Terimakasih anda sudah berbagi, pengalaman cari batuan mineral, alam yang sangat indah dan sungai yang bagus

[@rockersfromaz3001]

CHOPPER!!!! Yay! It’s so nice to see him! 🙏❤️ I’m so glad that he’s feeling better. Prayers were answered :-)

[@sirdudeness1386]

AMEN and AMEN!

[@rockersfromaz3001]

OMG EVERY SINGLE ROCK YOU FOUND IS STUNNING!!! I hate to admit how jealous I am!! Lol I can’t wait to come and rockhound there! It would be a dream come true to have at least one rock hounding day with you and chopper! Literally a dream come true :-)

[@treasurelife6922]

You can always get a magnet and retrieve your hammer. Or, all of your subscribers can pitch in and get you a scheduled monthly shipping of a hammer. Or, tethering it to your pack may prevent loosing it. Or, train chopper to dive for it. Hmmm that's an 💡. Great finds for a great video by an awesome rockhounder.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Lol. Yeah, already ordered a new one. Thinking when the river drops a little more I might find it. But I don't know, the current was so strong there.....

[@CityRockhounding]

Wow, epic rock finds! Me and my wife love your videos! She said you find the best looking rocks, you have the coolest sunglasses and she loves your hair. Thanks for making rock hounding fun Kim! Nic and Jess love you channel!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Awe 🥰 That makes my day! Thank you Nic & Jess! 🧡💜💙💚

[@lpatrick357]

15:40 oh my how gorgeous!!

[@tone-starfire]

Material things can be replaced, you can’t, so glad you was ok, rock on

[@janketza0206]

Another great inspirational video. You really know where to find rovks!

[@moussatebbakh4933]

Nice rocks, especially your sweet smile ❤️

[@milesnn]

Awesome adventure, beautiful finds some real eye catchers thank you

[@ruksrocksandadventures.5800]

Glad to know go prepared for unexpected swimming events😁 Chopper and his shoulder blade bone😅 don't get sick again bud, glad to see he's feeling a little better. ✌️💎🤘

[@MontanaRockMom]

He's doing so good! I'm glad I'm a good swimmer!

[@RM-vw3ov]

Wow that yellow jasper with the banded pocket was neato!

[@billpattison4702]

I love watching you find great treasure

[@rockersfromaz3001]

Oh I bet you were freezing! I’m glad you’re OK and you didn’t get hurt. Go get warm LOL

[@olmilfishrock]

Glad you had some dry clothes with you . That’s jasper at 8:30 , I was thinking “Feed to Drogon “ , and then you said it ! Lol !! Great finds . Keep rockin!!👍😎

[@MontanaRockMom]

Definitely going to Drogon

[@ricksmith1647]

Another in a line of great videos. I noticed that you now have a Garmin In-Reach. After your fall a while back, it is good to see that you have a way to summon help if you need it.

[@barbarazernicke6967]

I hope you were able to get home quickly and warm up. Today's haul was incredible. If you don't have a spare rock hammer a nice broad screw driver works well. I wish someone would invent a folding screw driver for rock hunting.

[@bethgeret]

Those are beautiful! I would love to rockhound that area sometime! OMG! That Leopardskin Jasper!

[@MontanaRockMom]

We have so much of that leopardskin here...it's so cool!

[@anneallen2690]

Thank you

[@wojciechtreffler2204]

Merry Christmas . Nice to see you MRM with the Chopper. Once again you have found beautiful specimens and once again by the Yellowstone River ! 👍 . I think I will move and live there 😄👋

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

* WOW You found more colorful rocks than ever today.. without sunshine ! ! Amazing.. You Left the Yellow-orange Plume agate??? OMG...

[@MontanaRockMom]

I know. 😪

[@michaelbearss371]

Killer finds as always!

[@jrex9197]

Good Lord, I gotta get over there! Beautiful stuff

[@jamesblondeau1029]

Wow. The agates just before chopper found his bone and just after were amazing but the jaspers were jaw dropping. And the weather there wow. Currently we are sitting at -5 degrees F. And have been for at least 3 days and getting a fair amount of snow also. Tuesday and wednesday are supposed to be -22 F. Here u can walk on the lakes and rivers but wouldnt be able to find any rocks for all the snow lol. Glad to see your dip in the river wasnt worse than it was. Than you Kim for not only taking the time to video your adventures but also for literally risking life and limb. 👍😮😀

[@BarefootDreamers]

Chopper found a boot treasure!!! Good boy Chopper 😂❤

[@butchmilk2972]

I will take that One 👍

[@darrinwilliams5715]

Great bunch of rocks. Sorry about the hammer, but I think we all have a lost rock hammer story.😎

[@vinnymartinez6031]

Scooper cool finds. Brrrr girl. I’m glad to see your okay. Scary stuff with a boat anchor on your back. Lol. What a trooper you are. Signing of. Colorado Rockhound. Next video please!

[@MoosefromCanada]

Great finds! Chopper is awesome 🤩 digging up old stinky elk bones 🤪Ugh so jealous..I love Montana 💕 came back with a camper full in 2014. I just discovered piles of rocks the setters left here. Loads of crystal and fossil on the shore of Lake Huron 🇨🇦

[@jimlancaster6120]

Great finds! Hope you warmed up.

[@MontanaRockMom]

Eventually. But I'm not going to lie...the freezing my a## off part sucked. 🧊🥶🥶🥶

[@lenturtle7954]

Getcsaddle bags for your pack dog 🎉

[@gracewashburn8276]

I could imagine that would be really chilly you should be careful out there you’re such a young lady to be out wandering around I know choppers with you but you know where you’re going and I shouldn’t act like a mother hen to worry I do the same thing when I go out me and my dog nobody ever knows where I am app take care God bless and as you say rock on

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you for your kind words. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎💜

[@Monkeysic]

Not a good day for a swim! Some good finds!

[@GemsPh]

Wow cool staff I love it

[@gwynnfarrell1856]

Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you're okay! I think I'd consider the rock hammer an offering to the river for future safe crossings. It's amazing that you were composed enough to show us the beaver carved stick. It's great to see Chopper back in fine health. Loved the intro! And of course loved the beautiful rocks! I'll be looking forward to Drogon's next meal of some of the rocks you found today. Thank you for this great video. Take care and have a wonderful new year! 🎉

[@josephhager1933]

I love your videos and appreciate your content thank you for making them

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thanks Joseph

[@GREEKEXPLORERS]

Another wonderful video,thanks for sharing it with us and many congratulations!! I wish you a Happy New Year with health and happiness to your family, many successes and good excursions in 2022!! Greetings from Greece!!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Happy New Year friend! 🎆🎇🎉

[@karenboysun3948]

Great finds! So much fun watching you and Chopper. Thank you

[@patriciamckean4186]

Your channel and a cup of joe, awesomeness

[@mitchgillilan]

Definetly one of your best rock hunts of 2021!!!! That was incredible, every single piece that you found is an absolute treasure! What a great year you've had rock hounding M.R.M. 😊

[@northbama]

Awesome finds!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Thank you northbama! 🥰

[@wyodino6245]

Such a nice day! We are buried in snow with the wind howling. Glad you were able to get out and enjoy your River and the treasures that is gives you. Thank you for taking us with you, MRM and yes,...I was much warmer than you. I sat by the fire while I watched you freeze. But you seriously had the fun. Smiles sent your way.

[@DeluxeCircuitAB763]

Here’s a shout from friends in Wisconsin ! 🦆 Stay dry and keep chopper off any thin ice. Spring is just around the bend. 🥳 Happy New Year !

[@MontanaRockMom]

Hello Wisconsin! Stay warm. Stay healthy. Rock on! 🪨

[@jaredmeeks4491]

It's a rock bag!!!

[@grokeffer6226]

Beautiful!!

[@paulalderton9900]

Good to hear chopper is back to enjoying again:) Yellowstone river truly is nature's wonderland:) my parents got me an inflatable vest that inflates with air if submerged in water something to look into. Your rock finds on the Yellowstone is truly inspiring and heartwarming and beautiful that brings smiles and joy to so many but you are the most important gem of all enjoy and share what you love but please stay safe in freezing situations. I also carry rocks a few days a week on the Yellowstone River in emigrant mt trully a blessing. i can't wait for the day i head to the Yellowstone river around the billings area to river walk. you truly make every river walk look like the best day ever:) thank you for sharing and please stay safe in mother nature's wonderland ❤ Enjoy all

[@gator83261]

Very cool.

[@michelleangers342]

I love that the Yellowstone left some beautiful Christmas present rocks for you!

[@amandawood140]

At 13:29 in your awesome video; I believe the red the rock is carnelian.

[@MontanaRockMom]

❤❤❤❤

[@kylaabegglen1275]

Oh my gosh!🥶 You poor girl! That must have been so cold. I hope you thawed out when you got home. You found some beautiful rocks on this trip! Sorry about losing your rock hammer. Glad to see Chopper feeling better! Take care.✌🤠

[@rustybarbacles355]

I know they are just rocks but they give me so much happiness and excitement to see you spray them off. What an incredible place!

[@outdooradventureswithfayde6832]

This is my first time watching your channel. I've heard mention of it in a couple other channels. Now I see what all the hub bub is about! You have some excellent content. Everything is put together very well. I am definitely going to subscribe and turn notifications on!! That one at 13:15 was super funky! Gorgeous piece whatever it was. That pretty yellow one at 14:25 looks like it would be amazing cut open. All amazing finds. Montana agates are my favorite. That peanut butter and red colored jasper is gorgeous too, very similar to jasper I find here in Wisconsin. Enjoyed the video. Look forward to many more videos 😁

[@MontanaRockMom]

Welcome to my channel and thank you for your compliments 😊

[@geneturk4242]

Again great finds and good to see chopper doing well

[@gregderksen1996]

there goes Kim again. proving that Billings is not picked over and finding great stuff!

[@MontanaRockMom]

Heck yeah. Nailed it.

[@kellywion1464]

Beautiful finds! So glad you were able to keep it together and get out of the water! Stay safe!

[@anniegironne8444]

Nice to see Chopper running around. Great rock hunting finds.

[@redemptortaygol914]

Wow

[@GMAN1965]

I wouldn't have been able to leave that yellow one behind at 14:15

[@MontanaRockMom]

Yellow plume...yep, I already kicked myself. 💛

[@user-re6qx7ub5v]

👍🤝

[@WiliClear]

super

[@Ken_G.]

How long has it been since you got to the spot where Chopper had the bones buried? That's good memory, and probably only 1 of many he remembers. That reveal at 13:00 was very unexpected, that's nice. And wow, 34 degrees and you accidently go swimming then just stroll down the gravel bar smiling. That's Montana tough right there. Do you eat those rocks for breakfast? Great stuff as always, thanks.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I love it. Yeah, haha.. I was smiling that the sun was out I think.

[@butchmilk2972]

Don't leave it there!

[@MontanaRockMom]

I need a bigger backpack and stronger muscles.

[@macenbarmore1900]

Are you on the north side of the river by Worden ? Shepherd Mt guy here nice work !!

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

Not quite the ending you wanted but worth the dunk, for the goodies. Did they find out what Chopper had?

[@MontanaRockMom]

No...it's a mystery. I'm glad I'm a good swimmer. Happy Holidays

[@yakobutama9788]

Batu combong unk pengasihan

[@loricoulson9101]

I am coming to Montana in September to find beautiful rocks on the Yellowstone River. Would you please give me some locations(nearby towns)...etc. so I can have a starting point.

[@amandawood140]

Can you look for rocks year round?

[@MontanaRockMom]

Yes! Although they are much harder to see and pick up when they are frozen. Even when the snow piles up, the wind tends to blow it and there's always exposed gravel some where...

[@gtp9296]

我好喜欢你捡的石头！

[@ttvfirefoxyt5904]

My husband and I want to make a trip to the yellowstone river and I really need some ideas of where to go. Can you help?"

[@KrKr-uk7xu]

Where can you sell rough agate? Ebay of course, but anywhere else? Can I ask how much money do you make off of selling agate?

[@lenturtle7954]

Can you go anywhere on the rivers or do you need some kind of permit or permission ??

[@MontanaRockMom]

You have to enter the river gravels at public access points. Then you may walk below the high water line as far as you want

[@MACorrupt]

Is this a recent video? It’s chopper doing better?

[@MontanaRockMom]

He is doing great! He's back to 100% 😍

[@MACorrupt]

@@MontanaRockMom 🙏🙏🙏🤎

[@yakobutama9788]

Yg bolong alami

[@butchmilk2972]

That one is better ✡️✝️

[@OwenMaxwell-jr2ib]

I think it's sad how the locals treat the land .. Multiple " Rockhounders " ( a title of privilege ) take a bunch of rocks off the Yellowstone riverbed to cut and sell .. and are very greedy about it .. Also Crystal park was ruined because more locals brought large machinery to dig deep for crystals as clearly posted on signs is against park rules .. People dug under tree roots and near the trails also posted as a fineable violation .. The park is mostly large holes with tilting trees ready to collapse .. I lived in Montana for 13 years , and the idea that somehow implants are a problem and unwanted by the locals runs rampant .. Stop coming to Montana is a popular slogan as everyone else is somehow evil and undeserving of the lands beauty .. I got tired of living around meth addicts who are everywhere and got tired of the clanish attitudes and bullying because I wasn't born there .. I did as requested and went back to where I came from 😂😂😂

[@safetygroupansinh8631]

You can sent to Viet Nam?.

[@MontanaRockMom]

I'll have to look into that. Thank you