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Fee-Dig Your Own Fire Opal
Faceting Rough by the Bucket!
An aggessive miner hauled this 5-gallon bucket in a single day!
Some of the nicer small pieces from the bucket.
Note the quarter in the photo for scale.
People come from all over to visit Juniper Ridge.
In this photo are artists from Texas - and Switzerland.
Fee-Digging at the Juniper Mountain Opal(TM) Mine:
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Fees:
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The fee for digging is $200.00 per person, per day, or per one-gallon bucket,
whichever comes first. Any reasonably active adult should be able to fill a
one-gallon bucket with opal in a day's dig.
That's right - facet fire opal - BY THE BUCKET FULL for only $200.00 - You dig it.
If you manage to dig more than a bucket full, an additional fee will be
charged for the additional material - or you can simply high-grade your
take down to a single bucket.
Check our fee-digging calendar for
more information about what dates may be open.
Fee-diggers have direct access to raw matrix in virgin ground. We don't sell
tailings or material that has been high-graded. While fee-digging you have the
same chance at a 12-pound opal that the mine owners do. The industrious guy
above is sporting an 8+ pound opal that he dug!
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Rules:
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We reserve the right to be selective about who we invite (or invite back) -
A fun attitude and good rock-hounding etiquette are required.
Safety is paramount. You are responsible for your own safety and for using
good sense. We are not responsible if you slip and fall, hit yourself with a hammer,
or whatever. Wear reasonable clothing, insure your tools are in good repair. Eye protection
is required.
NO SMOKING at the mine or in any surrounding area.
The mine is located in a beautiful wilderness area that is environmentally
sensitive and prone to forest fire. To protect this sensitive area
the Forest Service requires a policy of NO SMOKING in the area of the mine
- NO EXCEPTIONS!
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General:
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The mine is small, and in the interest of fun we keep digging parties to
a half-dozen or fewer. That way everyone has good access to good material,
and everyone should also have a safe working area without crowding.
To keep groups small, we take reservations for mining days. We can accomodate
individuals or small groups. A full deposit is required to reserve your
digging day. Slots will remain open until full payment is received. There are
very few digging days this year, so slots will close rapidly. Make your
deposits and reservations early.
Check our fee-digging calendar for
more information about what dates may be open.
As mentioned above, the mine is in a delicate wilderness area. During fire season
the Forest Service may shut access to the mine area for safety reasons. These
closures are beyond our control, and we cannot be responsible for troubles this may
cause with travel. If you are coming from far away, it is best to come earlier in
the season and to stay in close touch with us about any potential closures.
Check our fee-digging calendar for
more information about what dates may be open.
You don't have to knock yourself out to dig good material and have a great time.
Getting Here:
The mine is located about half way between
Klamath Falls and
Lakeview, Oregon.
You can reach the area by automobile from Portland, Oregon, from San Francisco, California, or from
Reno, Nevada. Drive times from these cities are about six hours to the recommended accomodations.
Air service is available into the cities mentioned above, or directly into Klamath Falls via Horizon Air, and
rental cars are available at the Klamath airport.
Camping accommodations are available in at various Forest Service locations in the area.
Contact the Bly Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest for details, restrictions,
conditions, etc.
Passenger cars will usually get you to within a quarter mile of the mine, but
a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the last bit - a 4x4 is even better,
especially in the earlier part of the season.
What to Bring:
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Special needs and general comfort items such as medications, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.
There is almost always a breeze blowing, and lips can become chapped quickly.
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Personal hygiene items as necessary, including
containers to PACK OUT ALL REFUSE.
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Eye protection. We're striking rocks with hammers, here: Eye-protection is REQUIRED.
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Hand tools for heavy hard-rock mining. This includes mallets, sledgehammers, pry-bars,
heavy-duty chisels, rock hammers, picks, gloves, screwdrivers (for prying small pieces), etc.
For the most part, think large and heavy rock-breaking.
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Knee pads are a good idea. Gloves are REQUIRED (fractured opal is sharp like fractured glass!).
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Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. The mine is at above 6,000 foot elevation
and the sun can be intense.
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LAYERED clothing, including gloves, shorts, sweats, jacket, etc.
Sometimes the weather can go from frosty in the morning to quite warm
in the afternoon. Coming prepared for that will help insure a good time.
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Did we mention GLOVES?
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Provisions: BYO food and fluids. There is no concession or restaurant within driving distance.
You will be in a remote area from arrival until departure. BRING PROVISIONS, including
LOTS of fluids. Remember to remain hydrated. Even though the breeze is often cool, that
very breeze will dry you out. DRINK fluids to help insure a healthy good time.
Where to Stay:
There are accomodations in both Lakeview and Klamath Falls.
We recommend either the Best Western in Lakeview (541-947-2194) or the
Quality Inn in Klamath Falls (541-882-4666). The Lakeview location is a shorter drive
(about 1 hour) and it is half way between Juniper Ridge and the Dust Devil.
Klamath Falls has more amenities and is closer to Crater Lake and other
attractions.
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Fee-Digging Calendar, 2007
Red = closed
Yellow = limited
White = open
2007 IS BOOKED!
BOOK EARLY FOR 2008
Digging slots in 2007 will be VERY LIMITED. Please use the e-mail link at the
bottom of this page to let us know your preferences and personal details. We will make
an effort to consider you as we are planning the schedule.
Thank you for your input!
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