The Lucky Strike Mine, located in the Ochoco Mountains of Crook County, is one of Oregon’s most iconic thunderegg beds. Situated at higher elevation in rugged forested terrain, this site has long been a favorite among rockhounds for its consistency, accessibility, and beautiful material. The mine has operated off and on for decades and is known for producing solid, spherical thundereggs with an excellent balance of size, color, and interior detail.
Thundereggs from Lucky Strike are especially prized for their fortification agate patterns and bold contrasts between matrix and core. Interiors often display clear to milky agate with red, orange, or yellow moss-like inclusions, and many feature quartz or chalcedony pockets that sparkle when cut. The matrix is typically a pale gray or off-white rhyolite, which makes the colorful centers stand out even more dramatically. Eggs range from small to softball-sized, with some larger specimens also appearing in deeper layers.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Lucky Strike site has the advantage of being a fee-dig location, welcoming visitors during the warmer months. The dig area is accessible by forest roads and offers a hands-on collecting experience with material that’s relatively easy to extract compared to harder rock beds. Whether you’re a first-time digger or a seasoned collector, the Lucky Strike Mine offers a rewarding and approachable introduction to Oregon’s rich thunderegg country.