Closest place to bay area ca to pan for gold for free or very cheap?

[Easy]

I have never panned and would like to try. Anybody know where I could go?

 

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[jmoller99]

[url]http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/gold-prospecting/95167-live-near-sf-bay-area.html
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[Easy]

[url]http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/gold-prospecting/95167-live-near-sf-bay-area.html
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Thanks!

 

[Hoser John]

Auburn recreation area is right in good ol' HiWay 49-Drivers flats on foresthill divide or cherokee bar outta cool will do any day and in every way-John

 

[nuggetshooter323]

From Fremont you'll have to go about 2 hours to get to a good area. Get a panning kit, because it has all the little stuff you'll need with out trying to figure it out yourself. Also, watch a couple of videos on panning on utube just to get the general idea of the techniques. The info on that link about the gold on the beach in SF is pretty intresting. I'm from Walnut Creek and I've never heard about that. It's something you shopuld keep in mind to check after some storm or high tide.

 

[Joel1316]

Look up Bear River, free parking and free gold! I'm heading up there in a couple of weeks, river flow should still be good to use a sluice box.

 

[stefen]

Might try the black sand beachs and cliffs (Gold Bluff) north of Trinidad CA...

Also the streams above the cliffs...

Trinidad State Beach - California Gold

 

[NeoTokyo]

If you find your way over by Colfax you can try the American River, not sure what claims are where but you can call BLM and ask which parts are open.