Hunting agates on the Oregon Coast is a great pastime and the great thing about it is that it requires no special tools and it is free!

Oregon has some of the best beach hunting areas in the world. Every year there is a new supply of stones uncovered by the sea. Each time the tide rolls in it uncovers more of them.

You can find them from 1” to ones that may weigh up to 1 to 3 lbs. They have even found some that weigh as much as 5 lbs. That is a big rock! I have never been lucky enough to find one that big but I have found some big ones.

We have a fish pond out side and it is full of the little shiny stones and they really add to the pond. There are even some in the house that I have used for around plants and just laying on windowsills.

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One of the best places that I have found to hunt them is at Agate Beach, Oregon. It is a small community just north of Newport.

The town is named for the smooth stones that are found on the Pacific Ocean shoreline, which makes this a beachcomber’s paradise.

There is a wayside park that you can park and picnic at with a tunnel to get to the beach. The tunnel was used by early cattle farmers to lead their cattle through so they could enjoy the salt of the ocean.

Agate Beach is also know for great waves to surf plus a beautiful beach. You can look north on the beach and see Heceta Head Lighthouse.

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I think the best time to look for them is on the outgoing tide. The stones are still a little wet and that will bring out the shine of them. The ocean provides a daily movement of the rocks and sand on the beaches to bring up the agates so that you can find them.

The tides toss and turn the rock and sand just like a giant tumbler. They are mostly rounded with smooth edges and come in many colors. A lot of people only like the clear or bright white and yellow stones. They leave behind the wide range of colored ones like dark red, orange, blue and sometimes green.

The next time you go to the beach have fun looking for the colored rocks!

First, do not turn your back on the ocean. You will never know when a sneaky wave might come and catch you by surprise. Also, stay away from the driftwood logs because they become buoyant as the tide comes in and someone can get hurt. Use your tide tables to watch the tides more securely. However, remember you are in nature and it is always unpredictable. Beachcombing is a fun activity and with a little detective work you can find wonderful gifts.