Metal Detecting on public lands in Oregon?

[OR_Cougar]

Hello, I'm new to metal detecting and was wondering if someone could help me find info on the legality of detecting on public lands in Oregon;ie, state parks, state forest, national forests, ect.

Thanks, Darin

 

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[Nitro 54]

State parks needs written permission from the park superintendent. If you get checked in the forest, BLM, State or Forest Circus it is all right to prospect with a detector, but not ok for relic hunting. They define that as anything over 50 years old. So your always prospecting.

 

[Jeffro]

I've never been asked but once, and that was in town. Outside of town, I've never been asked. Always fill in your holes and take care of the area you are in. Leave it better than you found it, and there will be no reason for anyone to even START asking.

And oh yeah, I do a lot of prospecting, too. And I'm always forgeting to empty my trash pouch, to boot! Man it seems like I always have a pocket full of rusty nails and bottlecaps to show someone who's interested.

 

[OR_Cougar]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm headed for the beach (Lincoln City area)for the weekend, hopefully I'll get lucky.

Happy Hunting,
Darin

 

[Jeffro]

keep an eye out for agates, jasper, and glass floats around there. There is gold on that beach, but it is so fine it's not worth recovering as of yet. Fossils are not uncommon either. Have fun!

 

[mlw67]

Many of the Oregon beaches will require that you buy a $10 permit before you hunt. I don't know which ones you need it for and which ones you don't, but I know for sure some of them require it.