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Welcome to the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
Virgin Valley, Nevada

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine is located in Northwest Nevada, approximately 135 miles from Winnemucca, Nevada, and approximately 100 miles from Lakeview, OR. The closest town is Denio, NV, which is 35 miles away. Denio Junction has reopened and food, fuel and rooms are available. All roads to the mine are blacktop, except for the last 7.5 miles, which are gravel and dirt. During wet weather, the last couple of miles is very bad, and should not be attempted.

There is no overnight camping at Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
Trailers should be left at CCC Camp before coming to the mine

AREA ACCOMMODATIONS
CCC CAMP
Five miles from Rainbow Ridge. Free camping, good water, shower house and swimming.

Denio Junction (REOPENED)
32 miles from Rainbow Ridge
Restaurant, bar, motel and fuel.
Phone (775) 941-0171

Fields Station
58 miles from Rainbow Ridge. Motel, cafe, fuel and groceries.
Phone (541) 495-2275

Rainbow Ridge Opals
The opals from Rainbow Ridge are casts after wood, and are some of the most beautiful opals in the world. We offer tailings digging where many different wood and opal combinations may be found. The tailings are up to eight feet deep. We turn the tailings from time to time, and are constantly adding to the tailings from the virgin ground loads. The virgin ground loads are materials taken from the bank with the loader, and are worked on a flattened area near where you park. Everything you find, regardless of value, is yours to keep. Although luck plays a part in finding opals, an "educated" eye is very helpful. First timers will be given some help in getting them started.

2008 Season Information:
Opening Date: Friday, May 23rd through
Last Digging Day: Sunday, September 14th.

Please note thet we are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the 2008 season.

Reservations for the virgin ground loads will be accepted by phone only, beginnig April 15th thru the last day of the season.

Please call: (775) 941-0270 to make a reservation.

Load Fee this season is $400.00, and will admit either one or two adults.

Tailing Fee is $50.00 per person per day, and children10-15 are still half price.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU
Small pick (sharp, single hand)
Small garden rake
Small shovel or trowel
Spray bottle with water for cleaning off dirt
Buckets (5 gallon) for collecting specimens, plus an
extra one for a seat
Sun block, hat, and gloves

Come visit our rock shop; we have lots of beautiful opal for sale, as well as fossils, minerals, and jewelry. We have digging tools and buckets for sale, too.

We look forward to seeing you at Rainbow Ridge.