The Emerald Creek garnet area is open as of Friday.

The site typically opens Memorial Day weekend, however the opening this year was postponed to the end of June to allow for new garnet bearing material to be excavated. The work was completed ahead of schedule and the site is ready for visitors.

The excavation work is typically completed in the fall, so as to not impact the visitor experience during the summer months. Conditions this past fall would not allow the work to be completed in a way that would have minimized disturbances to water and soil quality, so the work was postponed until spring. The drier conditions allowed the work to occur with minimal disturbances to natural resources.

Located near Clarkia, the Emerald Creek garnet area is a popular rock-hounding destination, attracting local and international visitors and families.

This is one of only two locations in the world where the star garnet, the Idaho State gem, can be found readily. The Forest Service provides tools for sifting and sluicing to aid in finding the gems. Fees are charged to help maintain the facilities.

Information: bit.ly/2tdAz2B