How to Pan for Gold in California

Gold Panning

California is known as the Golden State because of the many rich deposits of gold that were discovered and mined in the 1800s. Though the gold rush has long been over with, there is still gold to be found in various regions of the state. Gold panning is an economical and efficient manner in which to recover this precious mineral that makes its way into rivers and streams. The following information will help you discover how to find good panning locations, as well as how to actually pan for gold in California.

Things You'll Need

• Gold pan
• Glass vials with lids
• Waterproof boots or something to cover shoes
• Map of California and water ways
• Emergency preparedness kit
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. 

   Check with the local Chamber of Commerce in Placerville, Grass Valley or Auburn to learn about popular and legal panning locations in northern California. These are the areas that you will likely have the most success in because of the placer deposits that continue to bring some gold to the waterways. The general rule of thumb is private land is off limits and are usually fenced or marked clearly. State and national parks are generally legal to pan throughout, but it is best to check with the park ranger ahead of time.

2. Refer to a gold map, as well as the state map to determine a suitable location that you are willing to drive to. Once you arrive at the gold panning area, find a spot along the waterway that is relatively easy to get in and out of, and where the stream or river is still. This is not only for your safety, but also because the still areas are where gold will gather. A fallen tree, large rocks, or a turn in the waterway will likely create an area that is ideal for panning.

3. Put on the waterproof boots or shoe covers, and carry the gold pan out into the water. Dip the gold pan in the water and fill it with rocks and sand that you find on the bottom of the stream or river. Pick out larger pieces of rocks and return these to the water.

4. 

   Move the pan in a side-to-side motion, and swirl the water around in circles. As you swirl the water around, let the lightweight materials and sand slide out of the pan. Dip the pan back into the water continuously to get these materials to flow out of the pan, and keep your eye on the bottom of the pan for any gold that may have settled.

5. Repeat this process as many times as you like. Use tweezers to pick out any gold that settles in the pan, and place it in a sealed vial.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that pure gold is soft and will not crumble if it is hit or squeezed.

• Always carry an emergency kit with you, which should include a charged cell phone, first-aid supplies, flashlight, warming blanket, waterproof matches, non-perishable food, snake bite kit, and any other items that you must have, such as medications. Let someone know where you will be traveling to, and when you should be returning.

Resources

• Gold Fever Prospecting
• California Gold Maps
• California Chamber of Commerce Offices