Did you know that obsidian can be colorful?

Rainbow Obsidian - Davis Creek, California

Obsidian Collection Season Starts July 1 through Labor Day


Obsidian is dense volcanic glass typically black in color. However, few locations on earth have the perfect chemistry that allows for the formation of rainbow obsidian.


Microscopic minerals in obsidian cause a variation of color. The different colors depend on the oxidation state of elements in the minerals. Black color results chiefly from Magnetite (Fe304). Sometimes the Magnetite will occur in thin layers which results in shimmer with intense color. Highly oxidized obsidian may contain the mineral hematite given the obsidian a reddish hue (mahogany). Other oxidation states of iron impart a slight greenish hue. Obsidian deposits in the Warner Mountains have an iridescence that is formed by the mineral pyroxene. 


The iridescent colors can be found at all 4 sites. Middle Fork Davis Creek and the Rainbow site are known for multiple colors. Pink The colors of obsidian range from jet black, to grey, to pink. Rainbow obsidian, found at the Rainbow mine and Middle Fork Davis Creek is sought after for its colorful sheen. Pink obsidian from Pink Lady and the bundles of obsidian needles from the Needles Mine are most popular.




Learn more

Modoc National Forest

Davis Creek, California

The four mines, Pink Lady, Lassen Creek Rainbow, Needles and Middle Fork Davis Creek are all located within a few miles of US Hwy 395 near the Oregon border.

Rockhounding for Rainbow Obsidian

What you need to know

Permit is REQUIRED

Collecting obsidian is for personal use only. Due to rampant theft and irresponsible practices, permits for commercial mining are no longer available for obsidian.


Permits are issued to adults 18 years or older and are valid for 1 day only. A permit authorizes the permittee to collect two 5-gallon buckets, or equivalent volume, of obsidian.


The Park Rangers Limit Permits to 25 per day. So get there early on popular vacation days.

Hand Tools Only

Only hand tools are allowed. 

  • Rock Hammer
  • spray bottle with water
  • 5 gallon bucket x2
  • Cut resistant gloves
  • safety glasses
  • hat, hiking boots, sunblock

Safety First

Obsidian is sharp. Native Americans used obsidian for arrowheads. Make sure you  protect your eyes and hands. Even picking up obsidian from the ground can cut you.

Permit is Free starting July 1

 An individual can be issued a maximum of three permits per year.


Permits can be issued up to three days in advance.


Permits are issued only at the Modoc National Forest Headquarters at 225 W. 8th St. in Alturas, Calif. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.


Valid picture identification is required for each individual seeking permits. Collection permits for weekends and holidays must be obtained on days Forest Headquarters is open.


Free Use Authorization allows a visitor to collect obsidian for their own personal use. Collection for resale is a violation of the Free Use Authorization permit.

Poor Cellphone reception

Park Rangers will come around and check permits. Make sure you talk to them so that they know to look out for you.


Take hard copies of maps or screen shots of map and directions.

NOT PET FRIENDLY

The park will allow dogs and pets. But I would not recommend this at all.


The obsidian is everywhere and the shards are sharp! The dogs paws WILL get cut by just walking on the paths.

This place is tricky to get to

  • Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Alturas, CA will be your most affordable choice.
  • Make a pit stop at  Davis Creek Mercantile - 41942 US-395, Davis Creek, CA 96108
  • Make sure you have plenty of snacks, water and sunblock
  • Turn West onto County Road 11 it is 0.25 miles from Davis Creek Mercantile
  • Continue on Country Road 11 for 0.7 miles until you hit a dirt road that has 3 forks.
  • Pick the Center one. The fork to the right will take you to the cemetery and loop you around and the left path will take you to a person's home.


Davis Creek Obsidian Mine

I scouted all of the mines and found that the best mine was the Davis Creek Obsidian Mine.

It was the easiest to get to and the road was not washed out, the parking was easier and the specimens were nicer. If you do decide to visit the other mines I would recommend a higher clearance vehicle a sedan would probably get stuck in some areas.


  • I strongly recommend high clearance vehicles small SUVs or better. However, I did see sedans and smaller vehicles.
  • From the 3 path fork it is about 4.2 miles to the parking area of Davis Creek.
  • You will find a closed gate and that will be the best area to park is right outside the gate and you walk in with your equipment. 
  • The path is very easy to trek. The hard part is once you get to the mine then the obsidian creates uneven surfaces
  • Strategy: you take a rock and split it in half and see if it has a rainbow
  • When looking at a rock make sure that you wet the surface and then stand with your back to the sun.

U.S.D.A Modoc National Forest Service

Park Ranger Folder


At the Alturas Ranger Station they have a binder with a map and directions. You are welcome to take photos of the directions when there. However, if their is a line it is hard for everyone to have access tot he binder. Here area all the pages found in that binder.


Alturas Ranger Station