Oregon Gold Mining & Prospecting Locations

Proven gold-bearing sites across Oregon for finding placer gold and gold nuggets. Includes historical production data, access information, GPS coordinates, and gold buying resources.

Always verify current land status, claim ownership, and regulations before prospecting. Respect private property and follow all local, state, and federal laws.

Public Access Active

Quartzville Creek

Linn County · Western Oregon

Historic mining area with public recreation panning access. Well-documented gold production and accessible year-round.

Key Features:

Public panningCamping nearbyYear-round access
44.4347° N, 122.1483° W View Map →
Mixed Active

Applegate River

Josephine County · Southern Oregon

Numerous pockets of placer gold throughout the river and its tributaries. Rich history of nugget discoveries.

Key Features:

Placer goldNuggets foundMultiple tributaries
42.1850° N, 123.2856° W View Map →
Remote Historic/Active

Illinois River

Josephine County · Southern Oregon

Historically produced large nuggets. Remote areas offer excellent prospecting opportunities for experienced miners.

Key Features:

Large nuggetsRemote locationScenic area
42.3000° N, 123.7000° W View Map →
Claims Required Historic

Waldo District

Josephine County · Southern Oregon

Historic mining district with documented gold production. Multiple old claims and workings to explore.

Key Features:

Historic districtMultiple sitesDocumented production
42.1667° N, 123.6500° W View Map →
Public/Claims Active

Galice Creek / Rogue River

Josephine County · Southwestern Oregon

Active gold mining and panning area in the Rogue River region. Known for consistent fine gold production including placer gold deposits and occasional gold nuggets. This prime location for gold prospecting offers excellent opportunities to find and sell placer gold.

Key Features:

Fine goldRiver accessPopular area

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Looking to sell your placer gold finds? Many successful gold prospectors and miners from this location sell their Rogue River gold discoveries to Quick Cash For Gold, a trusted gold buyer offering competitive prices for placer gold, gold nuggets, and fine gold from Oregon rivers.

42.6167° N, 123.5333° W View Map →
Public Access Historic/Active

Sumpter / Cracker Creek

Baker County · Eastern Oregon

Historic dredge mining area with preserved dredge. Excellent gold production history and ongoing prospecting.

Key Features:

Historic dredgeMuseum nearbyDocumented yields
44.7417° N, 118.2019° W View Map →
Limited Historic

Cornucopia

Baker County · Eastern Oregon

Historic lode mining town in Eastern Oregon. Hard rock mining site with extensive underground workings.

Key Features:

Lode miningGhost townHistoric site
45.0000° N, 117.2000° W View Map →
Public Access Active

Brice Creek / Sharps Creek

Lane County · Western Oregon

Cottage Grove district with public access panning zones. Well-known among local prospectors.

Key Features:

Public panningAccessibleLocal favorite
43.7000° N, 122.7500° W View Map →
Public Recreation Recreational

Cow Creek

Douglas County · Southern Oregon

Tributary of Umpqua River near Roseburg. Recreational panning area with withdrawn mineral entry status.

Key Features:

Family friendlyEasy accessScenic creek
42.9500° N, 123.3000° W View Map →
Public Access Recreational

Molalla River

Clackamas County · Northwest Oregon

Molalla River Recreation Area offers public panning opportunities. Popular weekend prospecting destination.

Key Features:

Recreation areaWeekend accessBeginner friendly
45.1500° N, 122.4000° W View Map →