Gold Panning & Mining in Sierra County

Sierra County's history is tied to that of the California gold rush. While prior to the discovery of gold the county was the home to both Maidu and Washoe Indians, it was the discovery of gold and subsequent gold rush that saw some 16,000 miners settle within the county between 1848 and 1860.

Almost everywhere you turn in Sierra County you will find a rich history of gold discovery (even modern day gold discoveries). You can have your own gold adventure on any level here; whether its visiting historic sites, finding your own gold on the river or staking your own gold claim.

Sierra County is open to many different methods of gold recovery from gold panning, river sluicing, metal detecting, underwater sniping, dry washing and much more. Camps and day use areas provide places to go recreational gold prospecting.

Make sure you are in a designated area for recreational gold prospecting and mining, and always respect posted mining claim signs. Remember to check with the local authorities and/or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) before prospecting or mining anywhere in Sierra County to be sure that you are not on a private gold claim.

Some local resources to help you on your mining adventure are: the Original Sixteen to One Mine in Alleghany, the Kentucky Mine Museum and Big Mountain Mining Supply in Sierra City.