The beautiful state of Oregon is known for having a variety of topographical features, from deserts to forests to mountains. However, it is the beaches in Oregon that are popular for obvious reason. Every summer the public beaches of Oregon get millions of visitors.
One thing that most people don’t know is that some beaches in Oregon are actually popular gold prospect sites. Scattered amongst the sand are tiny particles of placer gold, which can be recovered with careful panning.
History
The fateful discovery of the Oregon beaches bearing gold was first made in 1852. The deposits are mainly of gold, with some platinum mixed in as well. Much like during the California Gold Rush, miners from all over the country have rushed to Oregon in a bid to try their luck. Who doesn’t want to try their luck at discovering a fortune in a short span of time?
According to experts, the existence of fine gold particles along the beaches is indicative of gold mines that exist further up north in the state. Since the Rogue River passes through that area and then flows into the Pacific, the beaches formed have deposits of gold brought through the erosion and deposition action of the river and its tributaries.
Since its discovery, many gold prospectors have rushed to the beaches to pan for gold.
Where to find the gold?
Panning for gold can be challenging, especially on the beach. The job requires technique and patience. The most challenging aspect of trying to find the gold along the Oregon beaches is that the gold particles are extra fine, as small as the grains of sand themselves.
The key thing is that the nature of the gold found on Oregon’s beaches means that the positioning matters a lot. You cannot merely sit by the side of any river or creek to hunt for gold. Effective use of a sluice box requires a good flow of water. You will need to find a small creek tributary where you can set up a sluice.
Additionally, not every beach will be equally rich in gold. Gold Beach got it’s name for this very reason, and it is a good place to start your search. South of Coos Bay are the best places to start looking for gold as these have proven to be the most productive.
Any beach which has dark-colored sand, or more specifically ‘black sand.’ The dark color of the sand signifies the fact that the sand is rich in heavy iron minerals. This is where the gold will be hiding.
The best places to prospect for gold along the Oregon Coast are areas where there are heavy black sand concentrations. These dark sands are made up of heavy iron particles like hematite and magnetite. Hidden amongst them are also tiny specks of gold (and even rare platinum). Capturing these tiny specks of gold isn’t easy, and separating it from the heavy black sands is even harder. To do it efficiently can take lots of trial and error. Consider joining a local prospecting club in the area if you want some tips on recovering beach gold.
How to go about prospecting for gold along the beaches?
Like mentioned before, prospecting for gold along the shores is difficult. It is time-consuming, but following a few simple steps will make the job a lot easier. Here are the basic steps to be followed:
This is the critical first step which requires a lot of research, but one that will save time later on and increase the possibility of finding the gold. Search the area and see which beaches, riversides, and creeks are known for their gold deposits.
Some sites are already well-known, but there are others that are less explored. Talk to local prospectors. Look at Google Earth and try to spot beaches that appear to have black sands. Look for rivers and creeks that flow into the ocean as potential areas that you could set up a sluice box.
If the position and direction are not feasible for using a sluicing box, then you will need some type of equipment that will work. Unfortunately, all forms of motorized mining are banned on the beach, so you can’t use even a small electric pump. This severely limits the areas where we can efficiently mine.
Also Read: Simple & Basic Equipment to Get You Started as a Gold Prospector
Simply getting a sluicing box is not enough. Using one effectively is key. Go slow and place suitable amounts of sand through to get the best results. Working slowly will help identify the fine gold particles from the sand as you sift it. Learning how to capture micro-gold is a skill that you should research carefully if you are serious about finding gold on the beach. A good setup will make all the difference in your success.
Also Read: I’m Amazed at How Well the Gold Cube Works on Fine Gold
A Final Word
The beaches of Oregon are owned by the public, which makes them a destination for visitors around the world. There are hundreds of miles of coastline to explore.
Most people are more interested in seashells and agates; they don’t even realize that there is gold right under their feet. Trying to find gold is challenging, but it can be a highly rewarding experience as well.
Keep in mind that even though a sluice box is going to help you find more gold, you can also find a little bit using a simple gold pan. You might not be able to process enough sand to strike it rich, but it’s very inexpensive and a fun way to recover a few golden treasures!
Next: 12 of the Richest Gold Mines in Oregon