Central Oregon Coast Fossil Hunting Sites
The Central Oregon Coast is the best area on the coast for finding fossils. This map provides some prime fossil hunting spots, all of which are a short distance from the Oregon Coast Aquarium! What to look for: Because the Central Coast was once covered by an ancient sea, the fossils you’ll find will be of marine life – mostly invertebrates like snails, clams, ammonites, etc. Larger species, including whales, dolphins, sea lions and seals can also be found but are rare. Look for swirls and shell patterns in the rocks. Often these can be reversed images (light patterns on dark backgrounds).
PACIFIC OCEAN Oregon Coast Aquarium
Where’s the best place to search? At the base of rock walls where loose debris as collected. These areas will be especially good after storms. Is it legal to remove fossils from Oregon beaches? Yes, as long as you find them lying loose on the ground. You may not dig for fossils or remove more than 1 gallon (3.8 l) of fossils at a time, or 3 gallons (11.35 l) during a year. Map not to scale. From materials courtesy of North America Research Group.
PACIFIC OCEAN Oregon Coast Aquarium
Where’s the best place to search? At the base of rock walls where loose debris as collected. These areas will be especially good after storms. Is it legal to remove fossils from Oregon beaches? Yes, as long as you find them lying loose on the ground. You may not dig for fossils or remove more than 1 gallon (3.8 l) of fossils at a time, or 3 gallons (11.35 l) during a year. Map not to scale. From materials courtesy of North America Research Group.
