Gold Panning at Whiskeytown NRA

Ranger Recommendation: Become a gold miner for a day! Gold pan along Clear Creek at the Clear Creek picnic area. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848 by Pierson B. Reading. The news of the discovery brought a wave of gold rush miners to Shasta County, many of whom set up camp in what is now Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The former community of Whiskeytown got its start as a mining town as settlers worked along Clear Creek and its tributaries. Although the town and much of the Clear Creek drainage within the recreation area is now underwater, Gold panning is still a fun way to pass a hot summer day splashing in the creeks and streams that flow into Whiskeytown Lake.

Details

Activity

Hands-On

Become a gold miner for a day! Gold pan along Clear Creek at the Clear Creek picnic area. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848 by Pierson B. Reading. The news of the discovery brought a wave of gold rush miners to Shasta County, many of whom set up camp in what is now Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The former community of Whiskeytown got its start as a mining town as settlers worked along Clear Creek and its tributaries.

Age(s)

All ages are welcome

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets on a leash are welcome in the gold panning areas.

Activity Fee

Yes

A gold panning permit is required for those 17 and older.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

Be aware that the terrain in and around creeks may be steep or unstable. Access to the creeks is through unpaved areas with loose rocks, sand and gravel. People with mobility issues are advised to use extra caution when considering participating in this activity. Please do not create new trails or contribute to erosion while accessing creeks.

Visitors over the age of seventeen require an annual permit, which can be purchased online or at the visitor center along with gold panning tools and an instruction booklet.

To learn more about gold panning regulations and safety see our Gold Panning page

Be aware that the terrain in and around creeks may be steep or unstable. Please do not create new trails or contribute to erosion while accessing creeks.

Stream flow is variable depending on precipitation. Lower Clear Creek experiences extreme changes in flow rate during scheduled releases from the Clair A. Hill Whiskeytown Dam during salmon migration and seasonal draw-downs. Contact the Bureau of Reclamation at 530-247-8500 for more information.

Gold panning is prohibited along Clear Creek from the access bridge over Clear Creek at the Whiskeytown Environmental School (also known as NEED Camp) to the mouth of Paige Bar Creek. This restriction is necessary to keep park visitors from disturbing educational programs at the school.