About Us
The Northwest Mineral Prospector’s Club (NWMPC) was Established in May 1981 in Vancouver, Washington USA, and Incorporated in the State of Washington as a Nonprofit 501(c)(4) on April 29, 1992, to provide education for people interested in small-scale Gold Mining, Prospecting & Mineral location.
Our Purpose
“The Purpose of the Northwest Mineral Prospectors Club shall be, as a non-profit club, to provide the exchange of ideas and information about mining and prospecting. This includes metal detecting and other legal multiple use of public land.”
Educate our members and the public on mineral prospecting, geology, and metal detecting:
“Offer educational resources and events to teach geology, mineral prospecting, and metal detecting through workshops, field trips, and hands-on experiences.”
Promote the exchange of resources related to gold mining and mineral discovery:
“Encourage the sharing of tools, knowledge, and resources related to gold mining and mineral discovery through events and online platforms.”
Advocate for the sustainable and legal use of public lands for recreation and education:
“Support the responsible use of public lands for mining and recreation, promoting sustainable practices and legal rights through outreach and advocacy.”
Volunteerism and Support: All club members are expected to contribute in some way. For over 40 years, our club has been operated entirely by members who volunteer their time. There are no free rides — whether you serve on the Board, join a committee, or help at our shows and events, your time and effort are essential to keeping the club strong and active.
Monthly Meetings: Our club meetings are held on the second MONDAY of every month starting at 7 pm. Guests are always welcome to drop in and see what our club is all about and to ask any questions you may have about small-scale Gold Mining & Minerals in Oregon & Washington. At most meetings, we have a presentation about mining-related subjects such as the geology & minerals we can find on our club claims which are also available on Zoom Meetings.
If you’re serious about learning how to prospect for gold, join our club and be sure to attend each of our monthly meetings throughout the year. This is where you’ll gain real mining and prospecting skills from experienced members who are eager to share their knowledge and help you succeed.
The Ore Wash Gazette: Our monthly newsletter, which is emailed to all members free of charge, includes current business, mining and prospecting tips, and a listing of gem and mineral shows in our area.
Club Outings: Each year, our club has three outings on major holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day) to our Club Claims on Quartzville Creek and Brice Creek. We gather to learn about gold mining, which is fun for the whole family. These club outings are a great opportunity for novice Gold miners to ask questions and learn panning skills from Gold miners of all experience levels.
Club Field Trips: Each year our club has several field trips to various locations around the Northwest to explore and learn about gold mining, minerals, and other related subjects. Field trips to our claims with our club is how you will learn about how to read the rivers and help you find gold at each of our many club claims.
We hope you will enjoy learning more about the club and will consider supporting our organization thus helping to preserve our hobby and small-scale mining, for many years to come.
Club Meetings Location
Guests are warmly invited to join us on the second MONDAY of every month for our family-friendly Social Hour at 6:30 PM and club meeting at 7 PM! It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about gold mining, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and discover what makes our club special.
Our club meetings are at the Bridge City Community Church at 2816 SE Harrison Street. Milwaukie, Oregon 97222. There is plenty of free parking across the street from the front entry to the church. Enter the front doors turn to your right and go down the stairs, we meet in the basement.
Revised 12-17-2025