Tiffany Haney
Idaho has a rich history of gold prospecting, and it is said that there is still gold to be found in its many waterways and basins. Gold prospecting can be an inexpensive hobby, with a pan, a few classifiers, and some vials being all that is needed to get started. Before setting out, prospectors should be aware of the rules and regulations around mining in Idaho, including the need for permits and the avoidance of private property and Indian reservations. With the right knowledge and equipment, there are many places to search for gold in Idaho, including the Coeur d'Alene river, the Snake River, and the Boise Basin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gold prospecting tools | Pans, classifiers, sniffer bottle, vials, sluice box, shovel |
| Gold pan colour | Green |
| Gold pan size | 14" |
| Gold prospecting areas | Coeur d'Alene river, Snake river, Salmon river, Boise river, Boise Basin, Clearwater river, Silver Valley |
| Gold prospecting permissions | Allowed on public land, not on private or Indian reservation land |
| Gold prospecting permits | Required for recreational mining and dredging |
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What You'll Learn
Gold panning in Idaho's rivers
Idaho has a rich history of gold prospecting, and it remains a popular place to pan for gold today. Gold was first discovered in the state in 1860 in Pierce, and the Boise Basin mines were founded in 1862, leading to a gold rush.
There are some important legal considerations to keep in mind when planning to pan for gold in Idaho's rivers. Recreational gold panning is allowed on public land, but it is important to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the US Forest Service to see if there are any mining or prospecting claims on the land. It is illegal to mine or prospect on private property or Indian reservations, so always be aware of the land ownership before beginning any panning activities. A permit is required for recreational mining, and additional permits may be needed for activities like dredging.
Gold panning can be an inexpensive hobby, with a few basic supplies needed to get started. A gold pan, some classifiers, vials, and a sniffer bottle are recommended. A sluice box can also be useful, but it is a more expensive piece of equipment.
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Gold prospecting in Boise Basin
Gold prospecting in Idaho can be a fun and adventurous hobby. The state has a diverse landscape with many opportunities for gold prospecting. Gold can be found in just about every region of Idaho, giving prospectors a wide variety of places to go.
The Boise Basin, in particular, has a rich history of gold prospecting dating back to the 1860s. The gold rush to the Boise Basin began in 1862 when George Grimes, inspired by stories of gold told by local Indians, set out with a group of prospectors from Walla Walla, Washington. Within eight months of the strike, the area became the largest settled area of the Pacific Northwest. The Boise Basin was the site of one of the richest gold strikes ever seen in America, with gold mining continuing for decades.
Today, the Boise Basin continues to produce gold, and with record gold prices in recent years, many of the old mines are active once more. There are several districts and deposits within the Boise Basin that have yielded significant amounts of gold. The Idaho City district alone is credited with over two million ounces of gold production. Other notable districts include Centerville, Quartzburg, Pioneerville, and Grimes Pass, which are at the center of Idaho's largest and most active placer mining region.
When prospecting for gold in the Boise Basin, there are several rivers and tributaries that are known to be popular spots for gold panning. These include the Snake River, the Salmon River, the Boise River, and Clear Creek, Grimes Creek, and Crooked River. In addition, the use of tools such as gold pans, classifiers, sniffer bottles, vials, and shovels can aid in the prospecting process.
It is important to note that while gold prospecting can be an exciting hobby, it is illegal to mine or prospect for gold on established mining claims in Idaho. However, there is still a lot of unclaimed ground, even in historically important mining areas, that prospectors can explore. Tools such as gold maps can help prospectors identify areas with high gold potential.
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Gold maps for Google Earth Pro
The maps feature a unique colour-coding system that highlights townships with active placer mining claims and historical gold mines. Townships with both types of claims are shaded in specific colours, with blue representing 1-10 claims, yellow for 10-50 claims, and orange for 50-100 claims. This visual representation makes it easy for prospectors to identify areas with a high density of placer claims, indicating potential hotspots for gold discovery.
One of the key advantages of using these gold maps is the ability to focus on specific areas within Idaho. For example, the Boise Basin, located in the state's historical gold mining region, has been the centre of attraction for thousands of miners since 1862. Townships within this basin, such as Centerville, Quartzburg, Pioneerville, and Grimes Pass, are known for their active placer mining activities.
Additionally, the Florence district stands out as one of the richest early placer camps, with the top two gold areas by placer density: 08 0250N 0030E and 08 0250N 0040E. These areas have a high number of placer claims and gold mines, making them attractive prospects for gold seekers.
Utilising the Idaho Gold Map, prospectors can also explore areas with high gold potential beyond the Boise Basin and Florence district. This map serves as a valuable tool for further research, enabling prospectors to discover unclaimed ground, even in historically significant mining regions. By combining historical data with modern mapping technology, gold maps for Google Earth Pro offer a powerful resource for anyone seeking to strike gold in Idaho.
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Gold panning equipment
Idaho has a rich history of gold prospecting, with the Boise Basin being a particularly popular destination since its discovery in 1862. Gold can be found in just about every region of Idaho, and prospectors continue to flock to the state's national forests and BLM ground in search of the precious metal. While gold prospecting can be an inexpensive hobby, requiring just a couple of different-sized pans, some classifiers, vials, and a sniffer bottle, it can also be an expensive endeavour if you opt for additional equipment such as a sluice box.
When it comes to gold panning equipment, here is a more detailed list of what you might need:
Gold Pans
Gold pans are a fundamental piece of equipment for any prospector. These are typically 14 inches in size, with green pans being preferable as they show up the gold better and don't mark up as badly as black pans.
Classifiers
Classifiers are used to separate the larger rocks and gravel from the dirt and gold in your pan. You can purchase classifiers or make your own by buying some screen from a hardware store, building a frame, and securing the screen in place. Recommended sizes include 1/2" and 1/4" classifiers.
Vials and Sniffer Bottles
Vials are used to store any gold you find, and a sniffer bottle helps you to suck up gold from your pan without losing it. You can make your own sniffer bottle with a plastic straw and bottle from a craft store.
Buckets
Buckets are useful for carrying water to your panning site and can often be sourced cheaply or for free from local paint contractors.
Shovel
A small shovel will help you to dig up dirt and gravel from the riverbed or creek to pan for gold.
Sluice Box
A sluice box is not essential but can be a worthwhile investment. They come in various shapes and sizes, and you can even make your own using wood sluice box plans available online. Metal sluice boxes made by manufacturers like Keene engineering, Jobe, or Royal are recommended.
Gold Maps
If you're serious about finding gold, investing in a gold map can be a good idea. WMH Gold Maps for Google Earth Pro, for example, highlight areas with active placer mining claims and historical gold mines, helping prospectors identify regions with high gold potential.
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Gold panning laws and regulations
Gold panning in Idaho is subject to certain laws and regulations. While the federal and Idaho state governments do not regulate panning or non-mechanized activity in Idaho, there are some rules and requirements in place.
Firstly, you may pan on public lands, including federal, state, or locally-owned lands, without a permit. However, it is important to obtain permission from the relevant land management agency before beginning any panning activities. If you wish to pan on private lands, you must obtain permission from the landowner.
Small-scale mining, including the use of both mechanized and non-mechanized equipment, is prohibited in certain rivers, including the Middle Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Salmon, and St. Joe Rivers. The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) regulates small-scale mining activities in Idaho, and there are specific rules and requirements that must be followed. For example, the use of non-mechanized equipment, such as shovels, pans, and rockers, generally does not require a small-scale mining permit. However, a permit is required if you process more than a specific amount of streambed material per hour, disturb more than a certain percentage of the stream width, or have more than a specified number of people working in the same area.
Additionally, the Stream Channel Protection Act regulates the alteration of stream channels by using small-scale mining equipment. Miners must obtain a permit from the IDWR before altering any portion of a stream channel. It is important to note that state regulations specify the streams where small-scale mining is permitted, and altering a stream channel without a permit is considered a misdemeanor in Idaho.
When it comes to gold panning specifically, it is illegal to pan or prospect on established mining claims. However, there is still a lot of unclaimed ground, even in historically significant mining areas, where gold panning may be permitted. Idaho has a diverse landscape and offers many potential places for gold panning, including the Coeur d'Alene River, the Snake River, the Salmon River, and the Boise River, among others.
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Frequently asked questions
Gold can be found in many different streams and rivers throughout Idaho. Some popular spots include the Coeur d’Alene river, the Snake river, the Clearwater River, and the Salmon River.
Beginner prospectors need a couple of different-sized pans, a few classifiers, and maybe a sluice box. You will also need some buckets and vials to store any gold you find.
Yes, you must obtain permission from the landowner before panning for gold on their property. If you plan to pan on public land, you must first check for any existing mining or prospecting claims.
Yes, it is illegal to mine or prospect for gold on established mining claims, private property, or Indian reservations. You should always be respectful of the land and ask for permission before entering any private land.
