Gold Prospecting and Locating Gold

Gold can be found in many rivers and streams across America if you know where to look. The first step in finding a placer gold deposit is understanding the geology of the area, as the right geological conditions are crucial for gold presence. Historical gold mining districts are excellent starting points for your search.

Mining Districts are defined areas governed by specific rules set by miners engaged in similar operations. While historical mining districts primarily produced gold, they may also include other valuable resources. You can download the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Principal Gold-Producing Districts of the United States – Professional Paper 610” for more information.

Lode Gold refers to gold deposits still in their native form, mined through traditional hard rock methods using drills and explosives. These practices have persisted for over a century.

Placer Gold is gold that has been liberated from its source through natural processes like weathering and erosion, eventually settling in rivers and streams. It’s important to remember that rivers and streams have changed course over time, so exploring ancient river channels can yield undiscovered placer gold.

Geology plays a significant role in locating placer gold. Many watersheds containing rivers and streams have been extensively prospected since the Gold Rush, emphasizing the need for the right geological conditions to find gold.

Watersheds are land areas where gold can be found. Once liberated, lode gold travels downhill to rivers and streams, leading to modern placer locations. The process of gold transportation can occur over short or long periods of time, and events like wildfires can accelerate this movement through landslides.

Gold in Oregon

In Oregon, lode gold is primarily found in Eastern Oregon (Baker and Grant Counties) and Southern Oregon (Jackson and Josephine Counties), where the geology is particularly favorable. While there were minor mining districts along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains such as Bohemia, Fall Creek, Blue River, Quartzville, and the Santiam Mining District their overall output is significantly lower compared to the major gold-producing areas.

During WWII, non-essential mining activities were halted, and after the war, the cost of reopening smaller lode mines became prohibitive, leading to a decline in production in these minor districts.

Placer Gold can be found in most mining district rivers and streams, as well as on ancient bench placers above current waterways. Notably, fine placer gold is present in the Columbia River around Portland; look for thin layers of black sand mixed with red to purple garnets.

Beach Gold can be found along the Southern Oregon Coast around Gold Beach, Whiskey Run, Sixes River, and Beverly Beach State Park just north of Newport. A valuable reference publication, “Beach Placers of the Oregon Coast” can be downloaded for free from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Gold Beach: Located at the mouth of the Rogue River, Gold Beach has a rich history of placer gold deposits. The sandy beaches and riverbanks can yield fine gold, especially after storms or during low tide.

Whiskey Run: This area is known for its scenic coastline and has been a popular spot for beach mining. Gold can be found in the sands along the beach, particularly near the waterline where ocean currents deposit minerals.

Sixes River: The Sixes River area offers access to both river and beach gold. Prospectors can search the riverbanks as well as the nearby beaches for placer gold deposits that have washed down from upstream.

Beverly Beach State Park: Just north of Newport, this state park provides access to beautiful beaches where beach gold can be found. The park’s sandy shores, especially around the surf line, can be good spots for gold panning, with black sands often indicating the presence of gold.

Gold in Washington

In Washington, lode gold was mined in several key districts, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state. These districts listed below benefited from the state’s geology, which includes rich deposits of gold-bearing quartz veins.

Okanogan County: This region has a rich history of gold mining, particularly in the area around the town of Oroville.

Kittitas County: The Roslyn and Cle Elum areas were significant for lode gold mining, with various mines operating during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Chelan County: The area around Lake Chelan, particularly the towns of Cashmere and Leavenworth, saw considerable lode gold activity.

Skagit County: The Glacier Peak region and surrounding areas were also known for lode gold mining.

Placer Gold is found in most rivers and streams in Washington you can use a pan or sluice box, you must have a copy of “Gold and Fish: Rules for Mineral Prospecting and Placer Mining” on hand, available for free download. In most case using motorized mining equipment for mining requires an HPA permit, so stay updated with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Beach Gold is typically concentrated in heavy black sands along Benson Beach and Cape Disappointment State Park. Before beach mining, consult the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) for current regulations and required permits.

Note: The information and links on our website regarding gold prospecting and mining are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, government regulations and rules do change frequently. We strongly recommend that you verify all information with relevant government authorities before engaging in any mining or prospecting activities.

Revised 12-17-2024