Most of Oregon’s gold has been found in Eastern and Southwestern parts of the state. One of the best areas for gold prospecting in Northwest Oregon is at Quartzville Creek. This tributary to the Santiam River is a well-known area for gold panning. It is a popular site for prospectors from the Portland/Salem/Eugene area. Gold […]
The arrival of bucket-line dredging brought a spike in gold production throughout the Oregon goldfields. The first use of these massive machines often began in the late 1800s, but they were used well into the 20th century. The large volume of gravel that they were able to process allowed them to work ground that was […]
The scenic and stunningly beautiful state of Oregon is one of the favorite destinations for gold prospectors. The state is blessed with numerous rivers, countless creeks, and several mountains that carry a considerable amount of gold deposits. For hundreds of years, people in search of wealth have found their wishes fulfilled in Oregon. Even after […]
The Cascade Mountains of Southern Oregon hide a lot of gold, with most of the early mining taking place in the Rogue River drainage (including the Applegate & Illinois Rivers, along with their many tributaries.) Some of the states richest ground is the area just north of the California border. Further north is another rich […]
Galice, Oregon, has been recognized as a source of plentiful gold and ores since the 1850s. To this day, gold is mined from Galice Creek in Josephine County. There are still several active mining operations there. Let’s take a look at the rich history of this unique mining settlement. Prospectors Find Gold in Southern […]
One of the more unusual early gold rushes in the United States occurred on the Oregon Coast, when miners discovered gold deposits in the sand along the Pacific beaches. Not only was there gold scattered within the sand, but there was actually enough of it to be economically mined! Tiny specks of gold dust were […]
This is a pretty little river that drains from the western flanks of the Cascade Mountains in northwest Oregon. The entire drainage is within Clackamas County, from its headwaters up near Bagby Hot Springs to where it drains into the Willamette River near Wilsonville. The Molalla River is one of the better areas for prospectors […]
1. Quartzville Quartzville is the northernmost mining town in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. Gold can be found on Quartzville Creek in the section that flows into Green Peter Lake. Several miles of the creek is designated as the “Quartzville Recreation Corridor” and is open to the public of a variety of activities including […]
Oregon is a great state to do some gold prospecting. Some incredible gold nuggets have been found in the state, and there are countless creeks and rivers where gold is hidden within the gravels. The major gold-bearing areas in Oregon are primarily in the southern part (Grants Pass & Medford area) and the eastern part […]
Some great places to try panning for gold in Oregon! These are few locations on public land that have been set aside specifically for recreational use, including gold panning. These are areas that have been withdrawn from mineral entry, meaning that they are not claimed and are open to recreation gold panning. In some places […]
Baker City has been called the Queen City of the Mines and the Queen City of the Inland Empire because of the gold flowing freely through the nearby streams. The Gold Rush to Eastern Oregon Following that initial discovery of gold in the Blue Mountains, the small town of Baker City began to […]
As greed sours, the number of ghosts that can be found soar. Jacksonville, Oregon, once known for its great quantities of gold during the gold rush, is now left to ruin in ghost inhabited buildings or captivating tourist attractions that let you experience what the gold rush was all about. However, this is not how […]
The beach sands of southern Oregon contain a hidden treasure that many people are completely unaware of… gold! I’m not talking about pirate’s treasure, old coins or lost jewelry. Instead it is rich placer deposits of fine gold that are naturally occurring throughout the beaches ranging from the California border up towards Florence, with the […]
Oregon may be one of the most overlooked states in the western United States when it comes to gold prospecting and its potential for producing large gold nuggets. Many impressive specimens have come out of the state over the years. Some of the biggest nuggets that were found during the early gold rush here would […]
