Collecting Agate Rocks - Focus on Agate Beach, Oregon

The Excitement of Collecting Agate Rocks - Why the Fascination?

Pebbles, shells, and agates - these might be called companions of the shore, since many sea glass collectors are also enthralled with these beachcombing finds.

These treasures of the shore hold a special attraction for a lot of beachcombers and collectors. Each piece is unique and has characteristics entirely of its own. Whether it's the smoothness of a beach-worn pebble, the intricate patterns of shells, or the vibrant colors of agates, these beachcombing finds can be exciting and fill in whenever there may be a lack of sea glass. We can't help coming home with more pebbles than we really should; agates however, are really special! 

Even though our family is composed primarily of "seaglassers," we do love to find
agates. The photos on this page are of agates we've found on various
Pacific shores.

We found this beautiful water-washed agate on the beach in Huanchaco, Peru, South America.

One of the fascinating aspects of the beaches where we've spent  in Northwest Washington, specifically the beaches we know on Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island, is the beautiful beach pebbles, including quite a few agates, that we find here.

Above are a few of the agates in their natural state that we've had the pleasure of finding.
Natural highly-polished agates are called "water-washed" agates and are a special surprise for beachcombers on ocean and lake beaches.

About Collecting Agate Rocks

What are Agates? Agate rocks are a type of cryptocrystalline quartz known for their stunning bands and swirls of color. Agates are formed inside of volcanic or metamorphic rocks. Often, you will see concentric rings or patterns that make each specimen unique. The variety of their vibrant hues and their translucent qualities can also make them prized for making jewelry and arts projects.

Who Collects Agates? Agate collecting is a passionate pursuit for many of us beachcombers who appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of these gemstones. Aside from on the beaches, people search for agates in riverbeds and rocky outcrops in search of specimens displaying intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and exceptional translucency. Some collectors focus on specific types or colors of agates, while others enjoy the thrill of discovering rare or unusual specimens.

There are several Washington beaches where Lin and I have found many of our agates. Of these, Rosario Beach on Fidalgo Island gets our vote as the best one for beach pebbles. It also has its share of agates. 

Among the other Washington beaches, North Beach (Olympic Peninsula), Bowman Bay on Fidalgo Island, West Beach (Deception Pass Park) and Moran Beach on Whidbey Island - also have beautiful agate rocks and beach stones.

While looking for sea glass, we are continually distracted by the beauty of these smaller  agate rocks and pebbles, especially when they are in the shallow water. The colors and patterns are truly amazing.

Although we told ourselves awhile back that we would NOT bring any more rocks home, just stick with the beach glass, we couldn't resist the attractive agates, rocks, and pebbles, so...we finally gave in and now at times come home with more small rocks than sea glass!

What are "Agate Beaches"? Agate beaches are coastal areas known for their abundance of agate deposits. These beaches often feature rocky shorelines or gravel beds where agates are naturally tumbled and polished by the action of waves and currents. Agate hunters frequent these beaches during low tide, combing the sands for prized specimens washed ashore. Popular agate beaches attract collectors from around the world, drawn by the promise of finding unique and beautiful stones amidst the coastal scenery.

Focus on Collecting Agate Rocks at Agate Beach Oregon

Agate Beach, Oregon, got its name because of the many agate rocks that are found on the shoreline between Newport and Yaquina Head. Here the waves of the Pacific Ocean wash across the sand and beach rocks, exposing a new layer each turning of the tide, and grooming the beach for the next couple to do their agate collecting.

Agate Beach actually was a community center with a post office started there in 1912 and remaining open until 1971. Agate Beach State Recreation Site is a state park in Lincoln County, Oregon United States, administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Beach access is via a tunnel under Ocean View Drive, but beach strollers usually park at the parking area edging the beach.

This is when the tide is way out.