Metal Detecting on U. S. Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) Lands

Metal Detecting on National Forest System Lands
The Code of Federal Regulations, (36 CFR 261.9) states, “The following are prohibited: (g) Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resources, structure, site, artifact, or property. (h) Removing any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resources, structure, site, artifact, property.”

Four forms of metal detector use are recognized.

1. Searching for treasure trove: Treasure trove is defined as money, uncounted gems, or precious metals in the form of coin, plate, or bullion that has been deliberately hidden with the intention of recovering it later. This use requires a special use permit.

2. Prospecting: Using a metal detector to locate gold or other mineral deposits is permitted subject to the General Mining Law of 1872. A Notice of Intent (36 CFR 228 A) is required for prospecting, and metal detectors may be used in this activity. Prospecting that involves land disturbance also requires the filing of a mining plan of operations. People who use metal detectors for this activity should bear in mind that many of the mineralized lands within the NFS have been “claimed” by others who have sole right to prospect and develop the mineral resourced found on the claim. A search of County and Bureau of Land Management records should be made prior to prospecting to determine if an area has been claimed.

3. Searching for historic or prehistoric artifacts: Using a metal detector to locate archaeological or historical remains is subject to the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 as amended and requires a special use permit. Such permits are granted for scientific research only.

4. Recreational pursuits: The most common form of metal detector use is searching for lost coins, jewelry, and incidental metal items having no historical value. Such use is common in developed campgrounds, swimming areas, and picnic areas and requires no permit. However, one must assume personal responsibility to notice if the area may indeed contain archaeological or historical resources and if it does, cease metal detecting and notify a Forest Service office. Not doing so may result in prosecution under the Code of Federal Regulations or ARPA.

Siuslaw National Forest – Metal Detecting Policy

Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest – Metal Detecting Policy

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic – Metal Detecting Policy

Umpqua National Forest – Metal Detecting Policy

Mt Hood National Forest – Metal Detecting Policy

Archaeological History – Passport in Time Projects – If you’re interested in volunteering to use your metal detector to locate historical sites on U.S. Forest Service lands, then the Passport in Time program may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Metal Detecting in Oregon

Metal detecting without a permit is allowed in specific areas of Oregon State Parks and the ocean shores. Visit the Oregon State Parks website to review the metal detecting regulations & rules and get the list of State Parks you can detect in BEFORE heading out.

Oregon Administrative Rules for metal detecting:

OAR 736-010 -0040 Visitor Conduct (8) (d) and (11)

  • The use of metal detectors without a permit is allowed only in areas designated in the list below.
  • All federal and state antiquity laws must be obeyed.
  • Shipwrecks are protected archaeological sites.ORS 358.920
  • If you find an item of possible historic or cultural significance, leave the item where you found it. Please contact park staff.
  • The probing and digging for items is limited to the use of an ice pick, screwdriver or small knife. The use of larger digging tools is prohibited.
  • All turf, dirt, etc. must be left in the original condition after digging.
  • All articles found in state parks having a value of over $250 must be turned over to the Park Manager. 
  • The cutting of vegetation and driving of motor vehicles to the digging site is prohibited.

Metal Detecting in Washington

Metal detecting areas vary in each Washington State Park. Some parks allow detecting in developed public-use areas and unoccupied campsites, while other parks allow detecting in specific areas only.

Users of metal detectors must register first with Washington State Parks and comply with posted regulations. The registration form, rules, and a list of parks that allow detecting may be found below in the Metal Detecting in Washington State Parks brochure.

Complete the online metal detecting registration form here.

Group metal detecting events in Washington

Group-detecting events require a special recreation event application (PDF).

Metal Detecting Code of Ethics

It’s a good idea to keep in mind the metal detector’s Code of Ethics, especially if you’re new to the activity:

  • I WILL always check federal, state, county and local laws before searching.
  • I WILL respect private property and do no metal detecting without the owner’s permission.
  • I WILL fill all holes and excavations.
  • I WILL appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife and private property.
  • I WILL use thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all times.
  • I WILL leave gates as found.
  • I WILL remove and properly dispose of any trash that I find.
  • I WILL NOT litter.
  • I WILL NOT destroy property, buildings or what is left of ghost towns and deserted structures.
  • I WILL NOT tamper with signs, structural facilities or equipment.

Note: The information and links on our website regarding metal detecting are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, government regulations and rules can change frequently. We strongly recommend verifying all information with relevant government authorities before engaging in any metal detecting activities on government property.

Revised 10-20-2024