While the agate field along the Yellowstone is huge, and extends for hundreds of miles, one of the major constraints a collector finds is gaining access to the river. If you know local residents, they ususally can direct you to private accesses, but more and more, one is told, "Get a boat." And that opens a whole new spin on the collecting, while, yes, opening a lot more access. Takes some fun out of things, though, too.

There are public accesses scattered along the Yellowstone river, some of which provide access to the gravel bars. The Powder River Depot river access is an ideal such public access - Montana's Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has a dedicated access where the Powder River joins the Yellowstone. The lands along the river itself are owned by BLM, backed in part by State Lands. Some private land is crossed to get to the dirt lane leading to the river, so always respect the private landowner's rights, particularly when passing through a gate. If it's open when you get there, leave it open. If it's closed, then close it immediately after you have passed through.

The Powder River Depot River Access permits you to drive onto the gravel bar in low water, which will occur in early spring and again in late summer and into the fall.

The photo at left shows one of the more spectacular finds from the Powder River Depot River Access, even though it does not exhibit the more preferred and desirable picturesque 'moss agate' appearance, nor does it have colored banding.

This photo demonstrates the importance of 'presentation' in bringing out the true beauty of the gifts nature has bestowed upon us.