Cutface Creek

Minnesota

Find: Lake Superior Agates, amygaloidal basalt, possible thomsonite

GPS: 47.73102, -90.43976

Nearest city: Duluth, MN

Recommended Vehicle: Any

Summary:

Cutface Creek is a very popular stop for tourists just South of Grand Marais. It gets a lot of traffic, especially during peak Summer months. For this reason, I would taper your expectations on finding anything spectacular here. However, this area did have an interesting pattern of white chalcedony and quartz specimens occurring.

You may be able to find some agates or thomsonite if you toss on some waders and hike through the water.

Video Guide

Check out the video for a better look at what can be found when exploring this spot.

Jump to the 3rd timestamp on the video to see Cutface Creek.

This is what I mean by distinct white coloration. The yellow/orange portions within is what I believe to be quartz crystal.

This is what I mean by distinct white coloration. The yellow/orange portions within is what I believe to be quartz crystal.

I am really not certain on whether these can be considered Lake Superior Agates. They lack true banding but have clearly appeared to form in similar conditions to an agate.

I am really not certain on whether these can be considered Lake Superior Agates. They lack true banding but have clearly appeared to form in similar conditions to an agate.

Walking along the large talus stones to the North end of Cutface Creek can be pretty scenic.

Walking along the large talus stones to the North end of Cutface Creek can be pretty scenic.

The old lady leading the way on our exploration.

The old lady leading the way on our exploration.

We found this big lumpy one that looked deceptively like an agate underwater.

We found this big lumpy one that looked deceptively like an agate underwater.

As always, I convinced myself the best ones are still out in the water. (Again, waders are the way to go - not these awful water shoes)

As always, I convinced myself the best ones are still out in the water. (Again, waders are the way to go - not these awful water shoes)

Looks like this is possibly an agate in the matrix of this boulder.

Looks like this is possibly an agate in the matrix of this boulder.

If you're a fan of roadside geology, you can see a very distinct basalt boundary on the top of the hill overlooking Cutface Creek just to the South on Highway 61.

If you're a fan of roadside geology, you can see a very distinct basalt boundary on the top of the hill overlooking Cutface Creek just to the South on Highway 61.