Area Status: Closed There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets - India and right here on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests! The garnets found here are called "star garnets" because of a unique property that causes some of them to display a reflection like a four or six pointed star. India is the only other place in the world where star garnets like these are found in any quantity. Garnet Area Brochure The 12-sided (dodecahedron) crystals found here range in size from sand particles to golf-ball or larger size. Gem quality faceting material is also found at the Garnet Area. The Forest Service has developed the Garnet Area as a place where the public may collect these unique gems in a safe and environmentally friendly way. In the past, people would dig in the stream bed in search of the garnets. Now, due to concerns for water quality, aquatic habitat, and public safety, the Forest Service provides a stockpile of garnet bearing gravels from which people can gather material to run through one of two sluice boxes in search of garnets. Title: Garnet Area trailhead Date: Forest Name: Idaho Panhandle National Forests Location: St. Joe Ranger District - Garnet Area Credit: Bob Hartsock Description: Your garnet adventure begins near the parking lot where you start a 1/2 mile hike uphill to the garnet site. Source: At a Glance Current Conditions: In alignment with current federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, St. Joe Ranger District, the Emerald Creek Garnet Area is currently closed. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation as we develop plans to safety reopen the Emerald Creek Garnet Area. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local and state guidelines for social distancing and cloth face coverings Area Amenities: Accessible,Picnic tables,Toilets,Parking Fees Cash or check only; no credit cards accepted Adults: $15 Children ages 6-12: $5 Children under 6: free A mineral permit is issued for each individual. Limit of 5 lbs of garnet per day; 6 permits per year. Usage: Heavy Restrictions: Trained Service Animals Only (no shaded parking for cars with pets) Closest Towns: Clarkia, Idaho Water: None - bring your own drinking water. Restroom: Outhouse General Information Directions: Be aware of road conditions prior to choosing your route. From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road 447 to the parking area. Permits, information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch. Be aware that there is considerable logging traffic in the vicinity of the Garnet Area. Please drive with care!

