Rainbow Obsidian Mine
Public area set aside for recreational collecting
Native material: you search the natural ground on site.
Season: Collecting season is summer. The free permit is issued only from July 1 to August 31, on weekdays, at the Modoc National Forest office in Alturas.
Obsidian collection area set aside by the Modoc National Forest in the Warner Mountains. The Rainbow area is known for rainbow obsidian, which shows bands of color in the light. Personal use only, under the free use permit.
Make a weekend of it
7 gem and mineral spots on open public land with no claim on record, within 50 miles.
There are more on the map, some of them with a possible mining claim.
Clubs and places nearby
- Obsidian Needles MineFree public dig · 6 mi
- Pink Lady Obsidian MineFree public dig · 8 mi
- Middle Fork Davis Creek Obsidian MineFree public dig · 8 mi
- Royal Peacock Opal MinePay-to-dig · 63 mi
- Bonanza Opal MinesPay-to-dig · 63 mi
- Rainbow Ridge Opal MinePay-to-dig · 66 mi
Access
One of four obsidian collection areas on the Warner Mountain Ranger District, near the town of Davis Creek. Get the free permit in Alturas first: it is valid only in these four areas, when they are open. Forest roads, no water, no toilets, no trash service: bring everything you need. The pin marks the center of the area described in the Forest Service permit map, so the spot is approximate.
Technique
Surface collecting with hand tools. Obsidian is volcanic glass and its edges are razor sharp: wear gloves and eye protection, and wrap your pieces before you put them in a bucket.