Check-in

Before you begin searching for fossils, everyone in your party must visit the Stonerose Interpretive Center and purchase a site admission sticker. A Stonerose staff member will provide information on how to and where to dig for fossils. Later, they'll help you identify the finds, and advise you on how to care for your fossils.

Location

Stonerose Interpretive Center
15-1 North Kean Street
Republic, Washington 99166
509-775-2295

Directions

Stonerose Interpretive Center is located at 15-1 N. Kean Street, on the corner of Kean Street and Highway 20 W., across from the city park in beautiful Republic, Washington. The fossil site is just a short walk from the Interpretive Center.

Handicap Accessibility

The Stonerose Interpretive Center is handicapped accessible. There is also handicapped parking at the fossil site, but, depending on your needs, you may need to bring an assistant with you to help you access the fossil shale.

Helpful Area Links

Map of Ferry County.
Map of Republic, Washington.
Travel and Lodging in Ferry County.
Other nearby recreational opportunities.

Hours of Operation

• May 1 - Memorial Day Wed. - Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Memorial Day to Labor Day Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Labor Day – Oct. 31 Wednesday - Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Fossil Site closes at 4:00 p.m., an hour earlier than the Center.
• Closed Daily 12-1 for lunch.

Admission Fees

• Per person admission fee: $5.00.
• Children under age of 6: free.
• Juveniles 6 - 18 years of age: $3.00.
• Students with valid college ID: $3.00
• Senior Citizens, 62+: $3.00.
• Stonerose members: free.

Rules

1. Searching for or removing fossils is permitted only after purchasing a site admission sticker at the Stonerose Interpretive Center and only during the hours the Center is open.
2. All individuals at the fossil site must have an admission sticker with them.
3. All finds must be shown to a Stonerose staff member.
4. The Stonerose Interpretive Center reserves the right to retain any fossils that are of scientific value or significant to the Stonerose collection.
5. Visitors and students are allowed to take home three fossil pieces per person per day. Commercial use is strictly prohibited.
6. Do not look for fossils in high areas or as instructed by Stonerose staff.
7. The fossil site is within walking distance of the Center. There is handicapped parking at the fossil site only. No motorhomes, campers or cars with trailers.

Equipment

Visitors may rent hammers and cold chisels ($4.00 plus tax) for the day at the Center.You may also bring your own tools to use in splitting apart the shale. A medium (1/2-inch-size cold chisel is best, but people have used old screwdrivers, putty knives, etc.) A hammer of any kind can be used to tap on the chisel handle. You may bring paper towels or newspapers to wrap the fossils in. Fossils can be damaged by contact with hard objects; wrapping prevents scratching.

Clothing & Protection

We recommend that you wear shoes that offer protection from sharp rocks. Tennis shoes are okay: thongs and sandals are not. We suggest you wear long pants, and bring goggles or sunglasses as protection from flying rock chips. Since the site is located in direct sunlight, we also advise you to bring protection from the sun including a hat, and a bottle of water.