Emerald Creek Garnet Area reopening

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is gearing up plans for the Emerald Creek Garnet Area to re-open for summer 2020. Site prep efforts kept the area closed during the 2019 season and now after tree removal and excavation of new garnet material, the popular rock hounding site will reopen Friday, May 22 (the Friday before Memorial Day weekend).

The site is operated by the U.S. Forest Service to provide recreational gathering of the Star Garnet, Idaho’s state gem. There is a recreation fee of $5 per child (ages 6-12) and $15 per adult. The site will be open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 22 through Sept. 7, or until the available garnet area material is exhausted.

“It will be great to have the site re-opened this year and I expect it to be busy,” said Christine Plourde, St. Joe Ranger District Recreation staff officer, “We’ll be ready and looking forward to the dirty hands and smiling faces.”

Visitors are advised to check the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website for specific information and to come prepared for all the spring and summer weather conditions with appropriate clothing, footwear and drinking water. Only cash or check is accepted on site, no credit/debit cards. For additional information, please contact the St. Joe Ranger District at 208-245-2531.

For additional information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ipnf/recarea/?recid=6927.