ORGANIZATIONS:
The Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals | ricenorthwestmuseum.org
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals houses a world-class collection recognized as the finest in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the nation. Located just west of Portland, Oregon, in Hillsboro, the Museum showcases not only fine rocks and minerals, but also fossils, meteorites, lapidary art, and gemstones from both the Pacific Northwest and all around the world.
Portland Regional Gem & Mineral Show | portlandregionalgemandmineral.com
This annual show is a combined effort of many regional gem, mineral and fossil clubs. The Association meets on the second Monday of every month.
Central Oregon Rock Collector | corockcollectors.com
The Central Oregon Rock Collectors (CORC) are a group of diverse individuals interested in collecting rocks and minerals and increasing their knowledge and enjoyment of their hobby. Their rock club serves the Central Oregon communities of Bend, Redmond, Madras, Prineville, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine, and beyond and they welcome guests and new members to monthly meetings and club field trips!
North American Research Group | narg-online.com
Learn more about fossils! NARG sponsors the NW Fossil Fest and participates in many programs and shows devoted to public education. They collaborate with university scientists and museums to enhance and promote paleontology research. Significant specimens are donated to recognized museums to ensure they remain in the scientific and public domain.
Columbia Willamette Faceters Guild | facetersguild.com
The Columbia Willamette Faceters Guild is dedicated to the art of gemstone faceting. They offer hands-on faceting classes at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, providing expert instruction for beginners and experienced faceters alike. Members also enjoy access to auctions featuring beautifully faceted gemstones and valuable lapidary materials.
MEMBERS:
Kai Weller | nomadwishingstone.com
From wilderness to workshop, Mt. Hood Rock Club Board Member and shop manager Kai Weller is the artisan and adventurer behind Nomad Wishing Stone, which offers handcrafted, polished stones and natural jewelry. At Nomad Wishing Stone, enthusiasts of the earth’s natural wonders will find cabochons, finished jewelry, polished specimens, slabs, and rough stones crafted using lapidary, wire wrapping, silversmithing, and unique leather-setting techniques. OnYouTube, Kai shares his rockhounding and lapidary pursuits to educate, inspire, and connect with the community.
Ore-Rock-On | orerockon.com
Mt. Hood Rock Club member Tim Fisher maintains an awesome website and tremendous resource for rockhounds in the Pacific Northwest.
Greg Gentry Studio Arts | greg-gentry.com
The stunning jewelry of club member Dr. Greg Gentry pulls from his studies of geology, paleontology and metal arts.
Alison Jean Cole | alisonjeancole.com
Mt. Hood Rock Club member Alison Jean Cole is the author of Beautiful Rocks and How to Find Them (2024) and A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon and Washington (2025), as well as the self-published zine, Thunderegg, which explores the changing face of rockhounding culture. She creates three-dimensional intarsia jewelry using flat lapidary techniques and travels throughout the western United States in search of materials for her craft. As an outfitted and bonded guide, Alison leads paid rockhounding trips across the Pacific Northwest and advocates for responsible collecting and the protection of public lands. Her books and guided trips are trusted starting points for budding rockhounds.