Panning for Gold in Idaho City

Where to Go Gold Panning in Idaho

It’s estimated that there are still millions of dollars’ worth of gold spread throughout the state.
However, this brings up the question: where is the best place to pan for gold in Idaho?

The short, easy answer is to go wherever gold has been found before. As it turns out, the Boise Basin is one of the best places to try your luck, as the flakes of gold found in the area are not only more plentiful but are sizable compared to gold found in other parts of the state.

Many of the creeks in the area have a chance to find gold flakes. There are plenty of resources online about where the best spots to find gold along a riverbank are. It’s also a good idea to inquire from either locals or an organization such as the Gold Prospectors Association of America which can give you tips on where to go panning.

Do I Need a Permit to Pan for Gold in Idaho?

This is a common question we’ve heard, and the answer is generally not. Most of Idaho is public land which allows for anyone to try their hand at panning for gold in Idaho. Still, it’s always good to be informed about what Idaho gold panning laws are before you go and the Idaho Department of Water Resources has an excellent resource about recreational mining and when you need a permit for it.

This said, there are several situations where you shouldn’t go gold panning in a particular area, which include:

• If the area has a mining claim (There should be posted signs nearby)
• If the area is on private property

What to Bring Gold Panning

If you are new to prospecting, you may be wondering what exactly you should bring with you when you try gold panning near Idaho City. Strictly speaking, all you need to get started is a gold pan and a shovel, as well as a vial to keep your gold flakes in.

However, there are a number of items that can make panning for gold much easier, such as:

• Classifier (screen used to separate large stones from material you want to pan)
• Five gallon bucket 
• A pair of tweezers
• Magnet
• Rubber boots
• Gloves (fabric gloves with rubber coatings or waterproof dishwashing gloves work well)
• Sun hat
• Polarized sunglasses

There are plenty of videos and articles online that can help you prepare for your first panning trip. For example, Treeline Review has a wonderful article on how to get started gold panning and prospecting that not only goes over equipment to bring but also how to go about finding gold and proven techniques such as reading a river.

Book at the Gold Mine

After a long day of prospecting, you can always come back to The Gold Mine for a great time. Our top of the line lodgings has modern amenities including high speed internet and is conveniently placed near The Gold Mine Grill and Saloon, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and, on weekends, listen to live music from local musicians.

Browse our rooms and book today!