# Stonerose Eocene Fossil Site: legal collecting field guide

Canonical page: https://lithomap.app/resources/field-trips/stonerose-fossil-site-washington
Last access and rule review: September 18, 2026
Page purpose: Original LithoMap trip-planning reference for an explicitly authorized rock, mineral, or non-dinosaur fossil collecting destination.

## Direct answer

A managed public fossil dig where visitors split Eocene lakebed shale, show every find to staff, and may keep a limited number of approved specimens.

## Location and material

- State: Washington
- Area: Republic, Washington
- Category: Fossil collecting
- Collection status: Program or paid access
- Expected material: Eocene plant fossils, Insect impressions, Fish and other rare fossils

## Authorization

Stonerose welcomes public fossil hunting and states that visitors may keep three fossils per day after staff review. Significant finds may be retained for science.

## Access

Start at the interpretive center, pay the current fee, receive instructions, and use only the active public dig area.

## Tools, limits, and season

- Tools: Use only staff-approved tools and splitting methods. Preserve both halves and bring every find back for identification.
- Limits: Up to three staff-approved fossils per day under the current policy. Rare or significant material remains with the center for study.
- Season and current status: Seasonal with published days and hours; verify current calendar, weather, capacity, and arrival cutoff.

## Conditions

- Check in before digging.
- Work only the assigned site.
- Show every find to staff.
- Keep no more than the approved daily limit.

## Geology

Fine Eocene lake sediment near Republic preserves delicate leaves, insects, fish, and other organisms from roughly 50 million years ago.

Part and counterpart and the exact layer add scientific value, so thin shale should be split methodically.

## Field plan

1. Open the current official source and check alerts before leaving home.
2. Confirm the property boundary, parking location, and activity rules on arrival.
3. Begin with observation or surface searching and make the smallest possible disturbance.
4. Photograph context before handling any material that the current rules allow you to keep.
5. Pack out every item you brought and leave protected or uncertain material in place.

## Safety

- Shale edges are sharp and striking tools require goggles.
- Heat and exposure vary by season.
- Do not climb or undercut the working face.

## Official sources

- Public dig and current keep policy — Stonerose Interpretive Center: https://stonerosefossil.org/home-2-2/
- Washington rockhounding and fossil rules — Washington Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/rockhounding

This guide is not a permit, reservation, boundary survey, legal opinion, guarantee of access, or promise of a find. Open every official source again before travel. Current signs, closures, permits, claim boundaries, and staff instructions control.