Cody Casey
Idaho has a rich mining history and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for gold panning. Gold can be found in almost every region of the state, including the Coeur d'Alene river, the Snake River, the Salmon River, the Boise River, and their major tributaries. Gold panning in Idaho is subject to specific laws and regulations, and prospectors must obtain permits for small-scale mining activities. With the right equipment and knowledge of the local regulations, gold panning in Idaho can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both beginners and seasoned prospectors alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gold panning laws | Specific laws and regulations to be followed; IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization required for small-scale mining activities and use of limited equipment; non-mechanized equipment generally exempt from permitting requirements |
| Gold availability | Gold found in almost every region and river in Idaho; notable locations include the Coeur d'Alene river, Snake river, Salmon river, Boise river, Boise Basin, and Florence district |
| Equipment | Gold pans, classifiers, sniffer bottle, vials, sluice box, rock hammer, shovels, buckets |
| Cost | Can be an inexpensive hobby with basic equipment, but can become expensive with more advanced equipment |
| Gold maps | WMH Gold Maps for Google Earth Pro and Idaho Gold Map can help locate areas with high gold potential |
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What You'll Learn
Gold panning laws in Idaho
Gold panning, or prospecting, is a popular hobby in Idaho, owing to its diverse landscape and gold deposits. Gold can be found in almost every region of the state, with particularly rich sites in the Coeur d'Alene region, the Snake River, the Salmon River, and the Boise River.
When it comes to the laws and regulations surrounding gold panning in Idaho, there are several important points to consider:
- Equipment: The type of equipment used for gold panning in Idaho is regulated. The Stream Channel Protection Act governs the use of small-scale mining equipment, which includes any implement used to dig, scrape, dredge, or move stream bed materials below the mean high watermark.
- Permit Requirements: According to the Stream Channel Protection Act, a permit from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) is required before altering any stream channel with mining equipment. Failure to obtain this permit or violating its conditions can result in fines ranging from $150 to $500 per day.
- Access to Land: It is important to note that an IDWR permit does not grant access to private lands or another person's mining claim or lease. Mineral removal from streams on private lands requires permission or a mineral lease from the owner.
- Dredging Regulations: The IDWR specifically regulates suction dredging in rivers and streams. Their rules include restrictions on the size and capability of dredging equipment, such as a maximum nozzle diameter of 5 inches and a horsepower rating of no more than 15 horsepower for suction dredges.
- Federal Lands: The IDWR does not have jurisdiction over mining activities on federal lands outside of rivers and streams. Their regulations do not apply to metal detectors, panning, sluicing, dry washing, or high-banking on federal mining claims.
- Non-Citizen Restrictions: While non-citizens are not allowed to file location notices to develop new mining claims, they can purchase and hold the rights to a mining claim deed, according to federal mining law.
It is essential to stay informed about the current rules and regulations by contacting the IDWR and IDEQ, as well as understanding the specific laws and requirements before engaging in gold panning activities in Idaho.
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Gold panning equipment
Gold panning can be an inexpensive hobby, with only a few basic items of equipment needed to get started. Here is a list of gold panning equipment for beginners:
- Gold pans: These are the most important piece of equipment. Go for a 14-inch pan, as the green colour makes it easier to see the gold.
- Classifiers: You will need a couple of classifiers in different sizes, such as a 1/2" classifier and a 1/4" classifier. You can make your own classifiers by purchasing some screen from a hardware store and building a frame.
- Vials: Use these to store any gold you find.
- Sniffer bottle: You can make your own with a plastic straw and bottle from a craft store, or you can buy one.
- Buckets: Call your local paint contractor to get these cheaply, or buy them from a hardware store.
- Shovel: A small shovel will help you dig up rocks and dirt to put in your pan.
As you get more serious about gold panning, you may want to invest in some additional equipment:
- Sluice box: This can be used to process larger amounts of material and can be purchased or made at home using wood sluice box plans available online.
- Rock hammer: Useful for breaking up rocks and getting to the gold inside.
Gold prospecting equipment and accessories are available at specialist stores such as High Plains Prospectors, which stocks a range of gear including gold pans, classifiers, and shovels. Online stores such as Prospectors Dream also offer a range of gold prospecting equipment, including sluice boxes and mats.
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Gold panning locations in Idaho
Gold panning, also known as gold prospecting, is a popular activity in Idaho, with a rich history dating back to the 1850s. The state offers a diverse landscape for adventurous prospectors, with gold deposits found in almost every region and river.
If you're looking for specific locations to try your luck, here are some popular gold panning spots in Idaho:
The Coeur d'Alene River
The Coeur d'Alene River is known for its gold deposits. It flows through the Coeur d'Alene Mining Region, which has a history of silver mining. However, small amounts of gold have also been found in the area.
The Snake River
The Snake River is mentioned by several sources as a prime location for gold panning. It is said to contain "a lot of flour gold," which is fine-grained gold that can be found in river sediments.
The Salmon River
The Salmon River is another popular destination for recreational panners. It runs through the cities of Salmon and Challis and has been the site of several large-scale dredging operations. Most of the gold found in this river is placer gold, but there have been reports of nuggets as well.
The Boise River and its Basins
The Boise River and the surrounding basins, including the Florence Basin, were the site of a gold rush in the 1860s. This was prompted by the discovery of gold in 1862 by George Grimes and his party of prospectors. The Boise Basin mines were established, and people flocked to the area in search of gold.
The Clearwater River
The Clearwater River is noteworthy as it runs through Pierce, the site of Idaho's first gold discovery in 1860. The popularity of this river among prospectors has endured, with the South Fork frequently producing placer gold.
The American River
The American River, a tributary of the Clearwater River, is located near Elk City. It is high in placer gold, which enters the river from the city's many hard rock mines.
Murray and Surrounding Areas
There have been reports of gold deposits near Murray, on and around the St. Joe River. This includes the area around the Graham Ranger Station, Eagle, and the Seven Devils Dry Diggens ridge south of Challis.
When visiting these locations, it's important to remember that gold panning in Idaho does not require a license. However, if you plan to use motorized equipment like a suction dredge, you will need to obtain a recreational mining permit from the Department of Water Resources. Additionally, it's always essential to respect private property and existing claims, which can be found on the BLM - SR 2000 database.
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Idaho's gold mining history
Idaho has a rich history of gold mining, with the state's diverse landscape offering adventurous people a wide variety of places to prospect. Gold was first discovered in the state in 1860 when Captain E.D. Pierce led a group of prospectors to what is now Pierce, Idaho. In 1862, George Grimes and his party of prospectors founded the Boise Basin mines, which led to thousands of miners flocking to the area and the establishment of many towns and mining districts. The Boise Basin remains one of the state's most productive historical gold mining areas, with numerous modern gold claims.
During the gold rush, which lasted only a few years, prospectors travelled great distances to claim their own lands to mine. Gold was found in almost every major stream and river in the state, with particularly rich deposits found in the Florence district. Today, prospectors can try their luck in the Coeur d'Alene river, the Snake River, the Salmon River, the Boise River, and most of their major tributaries.
Idaho's Silver Valley, the Coeur d'Alene mining district, is located in the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River in the panhandle of northern Idaho. While the district is known for its silver production, gold was discovered there in 1878. The district has produced over 1.18 billion ounces of silver, along with significant amounts of lead, zinc, copper, and antimony.
Gold prospecting in Idaho can be an inexpensive hobby, with beginners requiring only a few pans, classifiers, and vials. More expensive equipment, such as a sluice box, can also be purchased. Prospectors should also be prepared for hard work and ensure they have the necessary tools, such as buckets, a rock hammer, and shovels.
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Gold panning as a hobby
Gold panning is a fun hobby that can be inexpensive and a great way to get outdoors and explore nature. It can also be a good way to learn about the history of mining in a particular area. Idaho, for example, has a rich mining history and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for gold panning.
Gold panning in Idaho is subject to specific laws and regulations, and prospectors must obtain permits for small-scale mining activities. It's important to review the IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions to understand the permitting thresholds and guidelines. However, non-mechanized equipment is generally exempt from permitting requirements.
There are many places in Idaho where you can try your hand at gold panning. Gold has been found in almost every major stream and river in the state, including the Snake River, the Salmon River, the Boise River, and the Coeur d'Alene River. The Boise Basin is a particularly popular destination, as it was once the center of Idaho's gold mining activity during the 19th century, and there are still many opportunities to find gold there. The Florence district, within the Boise Basin, is one of the richest early placer camps, with 96 placer claims and 31 gold mines. The Placerville district, sometimes considered part of the larger Quartzburg district, is another very active placer mining area.
If you're just starting out, you'll need a couple of different-sized pans, a few classifiers (a 1/2" and a 1/4" classifier are recommended), and possibly a sluice box. You can also make your own sniffer bottle with a plastic straw and a plastic bottle. Gold pans should be 14", and green pans are recommended as the gold shows up better and they don't mark up as much as black pans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gold can be found in just about every region of Idaho.
You will need a couple of different-sized pans, a few classifiers, and a sniffer bottle. You can also buy or make your own sluice box.
Popular destinations include the Coeur d'Alene river, the Snake river, the Salmon river, the Boise river, and most of their major tributaries.
Yes, you must obtain the necessary permits to engage in small-scale mining activities. The IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization is valid for one year and can be obtained from the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
Yes, there are gold panning lessons available on YouTube.
