Alaska Gold Panning Trips
Panning For Gold In Alaska
By Michael Russell
Alaska is truly one of the world's most beautiful places. Many of those who visit
today are drawn by the beauty of nature and abundance of outdoor activities
available. In the late 1800s floods of people were drawn to Alaska for another
reason; gold. Many new settlements were established as a result. Many of
these settlements, Fairbanks, Juneau and Nome, still exist today.
When you visit Alaska today, you will find evidence of the state's connection to
gold mining just about everywhere you go. From locally held events like
Fairbanks Golden Days to the gold nugget jewelry and painted gold pans you're
sure to find in local gift shops.
By Michael Russell
Alaska is truly one of the world's most beautiful places. Many of those who visit
today are drawn by the beauty of nature and abundance of outdoor activities
available. In the late 1800s floods of people were drawn to Alaska for another
reason; gold. Many new settlements were established as a result. Many of
these settlements, Fairbanks, Juneau and Nome, still exist today.
When you visit Alaska today, you will find evidence of the state's connection to
gold mining just about everywhere you go. From locally held events like
Fairbanks Golden Days to the gold nugget jewelry and painted gold pans you're
sure to find in local gift shops.
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During the gold rushes of the 1800s, this was the preferred method used by
prospectors. In Alaska today there are still a few places where you can pan for
gold and not worry about being accused of claim jumping. These are public
areas open to the general public for recreational gold panning and sluicing but
you cannot file a claim. The Bureau of Land Management office and the
Department of Natural Resources office in Fairbanks will provide information
on these areas, including maps.
Before you get started, you'll need to pick up the necessary prospecting
supplies. You should be able to find what you need at local mining supply
shops and discount stores. Please be thoughtful about the tools you select
and the methods you use in your search for gold. Avoid anything that might
impact negatively on nature and the environment.
OK, are you ready to find your fortune? The following areas are open to the
general public for recreational gold panning and sluicing. You are allowed to
use gold pans, metal detectors, sluice boxes and rocker boxes in these areas.
Bachelor Creek: Located 80 miles North of Fairbanks just past Montana
Creek on the Steese Highway, this is a remote area that does not provide
camping facilities. Once you get there you will need to hike about 4 miles to
the mining area.
Nome Creek: Located north of the Steese Highway in the White Mountains
National Recreation Area, there are three campgrounds in the area. Facilities
such as restrooms (outhouses) and drinking water are provided, but a
recreation fee is charged. Gold was first discovered here in the early 1900s
and has a rich history of gold finds.
Pedro Dome: Located approximately 25 miles north of the city of Fairbanks,
this is where Felix Pedro discovered gold in 1902. The area is relatively small,
about 1 acre in size. There are no restrooms (outhouses) and you will need to
bring your own drinking water and food.
A couple of more areas you can try are Caribou Creek and Dalton Highway.
Some of these areas are very remote. In addition to your prospecting supplies
you will need the necessary outdoor supplies and equipment. If you're really
not looking for a wilderness experience, but you still want to enjoy the
excitement of finding gold, there are other options available.
There are several companies located in the Fairbanks area which have tours
of mining towns and areas. These companies generally provide you with
everything you need to do a little panning. Some even "stock" the sand so that
you can be assured of not going home empty handed.
Here are a couple you can check out:
Klondike Gold Dredge Tour Company, Skagway, Alaska
El Dorado Gold Mine, 1.3 Mile Elliott Hwy, Fox, AK 99709
Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost, Box 70, Chicken, Alaska 99732
One way or another, I'm sure you will have a lot of fun prospecting for gold in
Alaska. And who knows? You just might go home with a couple of gold
nuggets.
Michael Russell
Your independent guide to Alaska
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Panning-For-Gold-In-Alaska&id=301148
prospectors. In Alaska today there are still a few places where you can pan for
gold and not worry about being accused of claim jumping. These are public
areas open to the general public for recreational gold panning and sluicing but
you cannot file a claim. The Bureau of Land Management office and the
Department of Natural Resources office in Fairbanks will provide information
on these areas, including maps.
Before you get started, you'll need to pick up the necessary prospecting
supplies. You should be able to find what you need at local mining supply
shops and discount stores. Please be thoughtful about the tools you select
and the methods you use in your search for gold. Avoid anything that might
impact negatively on nature and the environment.
OK, are you ready to find your fortune? The following areas are open to the
general public for recreational gold panning and sluicing. You are allowed to
use gold pans, metal detectors, sluice boxes and rocker boxes in these areas.
Bachelor Creek: Located 80 miles North of Fairbanks just past Montana
Creek on the Steese Highway, this is a remote area that does not provide
camping facilities. Once you get there you will need to hike about 4 miles to
the mining area.
Nome Creek: Located north of the Steese Highway in the White Mountains
National Recreation Area, there are three campgrounds in the area. Facilities
such as restrooms (outhouses) and drinking water are provided, but a
recreation fee is charged. Gold was first discovered here in the early 1900s
and has a rich history of gold finds.
Pedro Dome: Located approximately 25 miles north of the city of Fairbanks,
this is where Felix Pedro discovered gold in 1902. The area is relatively small,
about 1 acre in size. There are no restrooms (outhouses) and you will need to
bring your own drinking water and food.
A couple of more areas you can try are Caribou Creek and Dalton Highway.
Some of these areas are very remote. In addition to your prospecting supplies
you will need the necessary outdoor supplies and equipment. If you're really
not looking for a wilderness experience, but you still want to enjoy the
excitement of finding gold, there are other options available.
There are several companies located in the Fairbanks area which have tours
of mining towns and areas. These companies generally provide you with
everything you need to do a little panning. Some even "stock" the sand so that
you can be assured of not going home empty handed.
Here are a couple you can check out:
Klondike Gold Dredge Tour Company, Skagway, Alaska
El Dorado Gold Mine, 1.3 Mile Elliott Hwy, Fox, AK 99709
Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost, Box 70, Chicken, Alaska 99732
One way or another, I'm sure you will have a lot of fun prospecting for gold in
Alaska. And who knows? You just might go home with a couple of gold
nuggets.
Michael Russell
Your independent guide to Alaska
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Panning-For-Gold-In-Alaska&id=301148
While many consider gold
prospecting a thing of the
past, there's still gold in
Alaska's hills and streams
today. In fact, just recently a
huge gold and copper
deposit was found about 235
miles southwest of
Anchorage, near Lake
Iliamna.
If you plan to visit Alaska you
might want to consider doing
a little gold prospecting of
your own. You never know
what you might find. One of
the most popular techniques
for finding gold is panning.
prospecting a thing of the
past, there's still gold in
Alaska's hills and streams
today. In fact, just recently a
huge gold and copper
deposit was found about 235
miles southwest of
Anchorage, near Lake
Iliamna.
If you plan to visit Alaska you
might want to consider doing
a little gold prospecting of
your own. You never know
what you might find. One of
the most popular techniques
for finding gold is panning.