The Joe McDonald Ranch, located near Ashwood in Jefferson County, Oregon, is a thunderegg site known for its richly colored and visually dynamic nodules. Thundereggs from this location often feature striking agate centers with bold reds, golds, purples, and blues, frequently accented with moss, plume, or common opal inclusions. The matrix is typically dense rhyolite with a weathered exterior, and the eggs themselves are generally well-formed and solid—ideal for slicing and polishing. Though less widely known than some neighboring beds, the Joe McDonald Ranch consistently produces high-quality material that appeals to both collectors and lapidary enthusiasts looking for vivid color and strong internal contrast.
Rocks of the Cascades – Thundereggs, Tools & Tradition