The North Idaho landscape is known for being climbed, hunted and trekked upon, but some look to the sedimentary layers for their earthbound fulfillment by embarking on a crystal-hunting exploration.
As dawn broke on a cold fall day in late September, the crisp, dew-dropped leaves created a ground-preserving blanket that covered the Idaho panhandle. The trees were vibrant and the air was cool. But, on this particular day, it wasn’t the serene landscape that was begging to be explored — it was the treasures beneath the sedimentary layers below it.
The proper clothing attire (durable shoes and a jacket are recommended), hand shovel, rock hammer, sifting screen, headlamp and perhaps some bug spray to avoid the outdoor pests, were neatly packed in the car. In just over an hour’s drive north, I was set to reach the destination of my first crystal hunting expedition. Led by a few veteran rock hounds with a knack for sniffing out the perfect earthly conditions, I was in for quite an adventure.
Jason Wilmoth has a rare talent for seeking buried treasure. A 20-year resident of North Idaho, he believes the landscape begs for discovery of both the mountains above and the translucent material down below. To him, it’s the uncertain discovery that calls. After a fairly bumpy back-road ride and steady uphill hike into the wilderness, he led me to a spot that showed genuine promise. The growth was relatively thick and the views — when we broke through the trees on the way up — were spectacular. Then, with a few simple instructions and the proper equipment, we got right to work.
“In certain areas, the technique is to dig down into the layer of mica-rich decomposed rock and excavate,” Wilmoth says. “The crystals will be in the layer above and you can slowly scratch away at that overburden with your hand tools until you find a crystal. And, be sure to run the excess material on the ground that you’ve scratched away at through your screen — you’ll likely fi nd crystals that you’ve missed.”
Notably, crystal hunting isn’t for the faint of heart. Nearly an hour in and a few sedimentary layers deep, I felt the sweat beginning to build under a half-inch of dirt and soil that had accumulated on the top-layer of my skin and clothing. And, the headlamp is a surprising “must” — even in broad daylight. The deeper I dug, the more entrenched I found myself in the mountainside, encased in the formative hole I proudly surrounded myself in while pursuing the cause. These protruding dirt walls served as a reminder of how far I had come… and how far I still had to go to gain the crystalline prize.
Scratch. Dig. Sift. Scratch. Dig. Sift.
This process continued for some time, until I was finally rewarded with a prize that illuminated brilliantly as I sifted the layers of soil to-and-fro through the screen. The intensive digging, I’ll admit, made for an even greater spectacle as I pulled the crystal from the leftovers and held it to the sky in childlike excitement. I was now spurred to a full-fl edged pursuit — this time, looking to up my game.
“The biggest crystal I’ve found is about the size of a baseball… my dad found a cluster that filled up his entire hand,” Wilmoth said.
A tradition he now enjoys with his wife, two daughters and dog in-tow, Wilmoth earned the rockhounding badge from his father long ago.
As the hours passed, the tribal techniques became second nature and I was allowed to focus on the real skills: shining the headlamp just right so the right crystal facets become brilliantly exposed and more intricately pinpoint the mica-rich layer above. I position myself in such a way that the dirt — when loosed without strategy — doesn’t topple on my head and bury me in the hole I’ve so carefully created. One can get buried quickly and without warning.
Minding these measures, I was able to return from my adventure covered in a layer of soil mixed with intermittent isolated-shower rainwater and a small handful of crystalline treasure from backwoods Idaho. After a much-needed shower and a warm meal, I was undoubtedly ready for my next crystal-hunting adventure.
» Locations
A tried-and-true belief held by many outdoor enthusiasts, the perfect spot is often so because it’s been personally, painstakingly researched and discovered — and remains a best-kept secret thereafter. While there are various locations throughout North Idaho where crystal hunting may be pleasant if you’re willing to pioneer them, only a few have been notably “found.”
“Its very much like huckleberry picking: if you head up to the top of any mountain in the area you will find huckleberries…but I sure won’t be telling you where I pick,” Wilmoth says with a smile.
One of the more popular areas to crystal hunt is Solo Creek — 23 miles north of Priest River on the way to Priest Lake. Turn left onto Squaw Valley Cutoff Road, where you trek 6 miles just across the Washington-Idaho border. One more left at a “T” onto Forest Service Road #659 and you’ve reached your destination. And, don’t forget the bug spray; at certain times of year, the mosquitoes are said to be overwhelming.
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Notably, this spot is particularly reminiscent for Wilmoth.
“My favorite time crystal digging was our first time to the Solo Creek area,” he says. ‘With a set of vague directions, my daughters and I set out to explore. We drove through the mountains and eventually found what we were looking for. While we didn’t get a single crystal that day (just some broken facets), we found excitement instead. It actually took several more trips before we found our first good crystal.”
A lesson for those looking to enjoy the fruits of rockhounding: perseverance is a must!
Ultimately, there are plenty of resources available for those interested in trying their hand at the experience. Friendly enthusiasts, books, online articles and focused journeying will usually lend to a unique and crystal-rich location, if you’re willing to put in the time.
» Environmental Considerations
Crystal hunting, in all its glory, is also an adventure that deserves another point of consideration: good environmental stewardship. With an increasing population and activity in the North Idaho wilderness, most avid crystal hunters believe that with the enjoyment comes the responsibility to care for the area by leaving it as good — or better — than you found it.
On my maiden crystal hunting voyage, digging locations were carefully selected, being mindful of deep-rooted trees and erosion that could occur as a result of disturbed soil and deep digging. And, after the crystal excursion concluded, the holes were filled and the soil returned to its original (or close to) state of rest.
Left-behind trash can be a plaguing concern as well.
“I hope that the people who are interested in digging for crystals are also the people that will be good stewards of the environment,” Wilmoth says. “Leave it like you found it. Pick up your trash. After going to all of the trouble to pack food and drinks in when they are full, it takes much less to pack them out — don’t just toss them aside and let someone else pick them up.”
The Inland Northwest is a unique, rich, adventurous and dynamic place. Both the nature above and the ground below beg of exquisite treasures to be found and experienced. But, as was my experience in this unique and pioneering journey, it can’t be done properly without adequate advice, tools and reverence to the place we live… and desire to preserve it for those seeking unfound treasure in the generations to come.
And, in the case of crystal hunting, it’s likely the journey will come with picturesque views, newfound treasures and a fair layer of dirt to be washed off at the end of a satisfying day. N
By Chelsea Thomas
Photography By Chris Celentano