Emerald Creek Garnet Area
There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets - India and right here on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests! The garnets found here are called "star garnets" because of a unique property that causes some of them to display a reflection like a four- or six-pointed star. India is the only other place in the world where star garnets like these are found in any quantity.
The 12-sided (dodecahedron) or 24 sided (trapezohedron) crystals range in size from sand sized particles to golf balls or larger and often have 4- or 6-ray stars when cut en cabochon by a lapidarist.
The Forest Service has developed the Garnet Area as a place where the public may collect these unique gems in a safe and environmentally friendly way. In the past, people would dig in the stream bed in search of the garnets. Now, due to concerns for water quality, aquatic habitat, and public safety, the Forest Service provides a stockpile of garnet bearing gravels from which people can gather material to run through one of two sluice boxes in search of garnets.
Tickets to the Garnet Area will be by reservation only through recreation.gov. No tickets will be sold on site.
The Garnet Area is open by reservation only. The area is closed the rest of the year.
Reservations
Reservations can be made at https://www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Call the St. Joe Ranger District for more information at 208-245-2531.
General Information
By reservation only.
Trained Service Animals Only (no shaded parking for cars with pets)
Permits can be purchased online at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10086846?tab=info or by calling (877) 444-6777 or TDD (877) 833-6777 Adults: $15 Children ages 6-12: $5 Children under 6: Free. Recreation.gov charges a $1 processing fee on each transaction A mineral permit is issued for each individual. Limit of 2 lbs of garnet per person; 1 permit per person per year.
Address: 222 S. 7th, Suite #1 St. Maries, ID 83861
Phone: (208) 245-2531
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
Directions:
Be aware of road conditions prior to choosing your route. There are active logging sales in the vicinity of the Garnet Area – be cautious of logging traffic.
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 7 miles on Road 447 to the parking area.
Permits, information, and the sluice area are a 1/2-mile hike on the gated road up 281 Gulch.
Call the St. Joe Ranger District with additional questions at 208-245-2531. Thank you for your understanding.
Travel Considerations
No shade in the parking lot.
There are active logging sales in the vicinity of the Garnet Area – be cautious of log truck traffic. Call the St. Joe Ranger District for more information at 208-245-2531.
Parking
Parking lot off main road, no parking available at dig site.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Porta potty at dig site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Picnic tables and toilets at dig site.
Other Amenities
No cell phone service.