Top 5 Places for Young Rock Aficionados in Portland

Got a kiddo who loves rocks and all things rock related? Here are the top five places around the Portland-area to explore with your budding rockhound.

Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals

Courtesy of Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals

This is the place to go to if you’re a rockhound. Located in Hillsboro, the museum (pictured top right) boasts a world-class collection of not only rocks and minerals, but also gemstones, fossils, meteorites and lapidary art. Even better: Children ages 5 and under are free and youth admission is $8. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mary S. Young Park

Courtesy of Gary Verne

Located in West Linn along the Willamette River, the river’s shores are littered with smooth rocks and pebbles like quartz, agate and even jasper and petrified wood. Pro Tip: Got a birder in the family? This park is also great for bird watching.

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George Rogers Park

Courtesy of Shawn Mohr

About an eight-minute drive north from Mary S. Young Park is another solid rockhounding spot. This 28-acre park — also a great summertime swimming spot — is home to large lava chunks lining the beach. The glassy obsidian not only looks cool, but is a great jumping off point to learn about the geology of the area.

Livingstone Rocks

Courtesy of Livingstone Rocks

This East Portland gem shop opened in 2018, after owner Lori Livingston’s personal collection grew too big. Today, Livingstone Rocks has rocks, minerals, gemstones and more in an easy-to-explore layout. 1220 SE Grand Ave., 503-926-1850.

Rockaway Beach

Courtesy of Tiffany Hill

The whole of the Oregon Coast is prime real estate for rockhounding and beach combing. But for families looking to stick closer to Portland, Rockaway Beach is a great place to find beach-tumbled agates and jasper. The long stretch of beach makes for fun treasure hunting, and a great way to tire everyone out.

Looking for more family-friendly destinations around the Portland area? Find more kid-friendly fun here!

Tiffany Hill
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