
Gold panning is a popular activity at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California, which was first a mining town during the California Gold Rush in 1848. Gold panning is allowed in specific areas, such as Clear Creek, with the purchase of a pass and permit for those 17 and older. Gold panners are advised to be cautious of the terrain and to avoid creating new trails or contributing to erosion. Legal gold panning activities are limited to the use of specific tools and methods, and certain practices are prohibited, such as using metal detectors and suction devices. Visitors can also enjoy other activities in the area, such as hiking, swimming, and picnics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California |
| Gold Panning Pass | Required |
| Age Limit | 17+ |
| Gold Panning Areas | Clear Creek at the Clear Creek picnic area |
| Prohibited Areas | Along Clear Creek from the access bridge at the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek |
| Pets | Allowed, but must be on a leash |
| Terrain | May be steep or unstable with loose rocks, sand, and gravel |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for people with mobility issues |
| Other Activities | Hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fishing, kayaking |
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What You'll Learn
- Gold panning is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the creeks in Whiskeytown
- Gold panning permits are required for those 17 and older
- Gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek from the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek
- Gold panning tools can be purchased at the visitor centre, along with an instruction booklet
- Gold panning is a popular activity in Whiskeytown, with many people visiting Crystal Creek to try it out

Gold panning is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the creeks in Whiskeytown
To go gold panning in Whiskeytown, you will need to purchase a gold panning pass and, if you are over the age of 17, an annual permit. These can be bought online or at the visitor centre, where you can also pick up gold panning tools and an instruction booklet. Gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek from the access bridge over the creek at the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek. This restriction is in place to prevent visitors from disturbing educational programs at the school.
When gold panning in Whiskeytown, it is important to be cautious as the terrain in and around the creeks can be steep and unstable. Access to the creeks involves unpaved areas with loose rocks, sand, and gravel, so people with mobility issues may find it challenging to participate. It is also important not to create new trails or contribute to erosion while accessing the creeks. Stream flow can vary depending on precipitation and scheduled releases from the Clair A. Hill Whiskeytown Dam during salmon migration and seasonal drawdowns.
Gold panning in Whiskeytown can be a fun and relaxing activity for individuals, families, and groups. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the history of the area. In addition to gold panning, Whiskeytown offers other activities such as hiking, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the Camden House, the El Dorado mine, and the Kennedy Memorial.
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Gold panning permits are required for those 17 and older
Gold panning has been a popular activity at Whiskeytown since the California Gold Rush. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848, bringing a wave of gold-rush miners to Shasta County. Today, gold panning is still a fun way to pass the time at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California.
If you are 17 or older, you will need to purchase a gold panning permit. These can be bought online or at the visitor centre, where you can also purchase gold panning tools and an instruction booklet. The annual permit is required for visitors over the age of 17, and it is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek, from the access bridge over the creek at the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek. This restriction is in place to prevent visitors from disrupting educational programs at the school.
The terrain in and around the creeks can be steep and unstable, with loose rocks, sand, and gravel. It is important to use caution when participating in this activity, especially if you have mobility issues. Do not create new trails or contribute to erosion while accessing the creeks. Stream flow can vary depending on precipitation and scheduled releases from the Clair A. Hill Whiskeytown Dam.
Whiskeytown offers a great opportunity to try gold panning in a beautiful setting. The area has fresh air, nature, and a very blue lake, providing a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds of the town.
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Gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek from the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek
Gold panning is a popular activity at Whiskeytown, which was a mining town in the 1800s. Today, gold panning is a fun way to enjoy the creeks in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. However, there are some restrictions in place to keep park visitors from disturbing educational programs at the Whiskeytown Environmental School (also known as NEED Camp). Specifically, gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek, from the access bridge over the creek at the school to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek.
Clear Creek is where gold was first discovered in 1848, bringing a wave of gold rush miners to Shasta County. The area has steep and unstable terrain, with unpaved access to the creeks that may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Visitors over the age of 17 require a gold panning permit and are advised to exercise caution when accessing the creeks.
The restriction on gold panning along Clear Creek aims to prevent disturbances to educational programs at the Whiskeytown Environmental School. Visitors are encouraged to explore other areas within the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area for gold panning, such as the Clear Creek picnic area or Crystal Creek.
Whiskeytown offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fishing, and kayaking. The area provides beautiful views, peaceful surroundings, and fresh air for visitors seeking a relaxing getaway. The nearby Camden House, El Dorado Mine, and Whiskeytown Falls are also popular attractions for tourists.
It is important to note that creating new trails or contributing to erosion while accessing creeks is not permitted. Visitors are advised to follow regulations and stay on designated paths to minimize their impact on the environment. Gold panning passes and permits may be purchased online or at the visitor center, along with the necessary tools and instruction booklets.
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Gold panning tools can be purchased at the visitor centre, along with an instruction booklet
Gold panning is a popular activity at Whiskeytown, California, which was a mining town in the 1800s. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848, and today, visitors can try their hand at gold panning along the creek. Gold panning tools can be purchased at the visitor centre, along with an instruction booklet. An annual permit is also required for visitors aged 17 and older, which can be bought online or at the visitor centre.
The terrain around the creeks can be steep and unstable, with unpaved areas of loose rocks, sand, and gravel. It is important to exercise caution when accessing the creeks and to be mindful of not creating new trails or contributing to erosion. Gold panning is prohibited along a specific stretch of Clear Creek, from the access bridge at the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek, to avoid disturbing educational programs at the school.
The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers a range of other activities, including hiking, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can explore the Camden House, El Dorado Mine, and try gold panning in Crystal Creek. The area provides beautiful views, fresh air, and a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds of the city.
For those interested in hiking, the Whiskeytown Falls is a challenging but rewarding trek, with a round trip of 3.4 miles and a steep incline. It is important to note that the hike is moderately difficult, and certain trails may be uneven, rocky, and slippery. A portable defibrillator is recommended for those who are not used to long treks.
Overall, Whiskeytown offers a unique opportunity to experience gold panning in a historic mining town, along with a variety of outdoor activities and scenic attractions. Visitors can purchase the necessary tools and permits at the visitor centre, ensuring a fun and safe gold panning experience.
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Gold panning is a popular activity in Whiskeytown, with many people visiting Crystal Creek to try it out
While gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek from the access bridge at the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek, there are other areas within the park where gold panning is permitted. Crystal Creek, for example, is a popular spot for gold panning, as seen in several reviews on TripAdvisor. The Walk in Time tour, which includes a visit to the Camden House, El Dorado Mine, and gold panning in Crystal Creek, is highly recommended by families. The tour provides an educational and fun experience, with gold panning keeping both kids and adults busy and entertained.
To gold pan in Whiskeytown, visitors over the age of seventeen require an annual permit, which can be purchased online or at the visitor center, along with gold panning tools and an instruction booklet. Pets on a leash are welcome in the gold panning areas. It is important to note that the terrain in and around the creeks may be steep or unstable, with unpaved areas of loose rocks, sand, and gravel. People with mobility issues are advised to use extra caution when considering participating in this activity.
Overall, gold panning in Whiskeytown, especially at Crystal Creek, offers a unique and enjoyable experience for individuals, families, and enthusiasts alike. It provides a glimpse into the area's mining history and a chance to connect with nature while splashing in the cool creek waters on a hot summer day.
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Frequently asked questions
You can pan for gold at the Clear Creek picnic area. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848, and gold panning is still a popular activity today.
Yes, visitors over the age of 17 require an annual permit, which can be purchased online or at the visitor centre.
Gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek from the access bridge at the Whiskeytown Environmental School to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek. There are also restrictions on the types of tools that can be used.
Yes, pets on a leash are welcome in the gold panning areas.






































