Gold Fever: 10 Best Places to Go Gold Panning in Washington State

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Liberty, Washington – Kittitas County

Tucked into the pine hills east of Cle Elum, Liberty is Washington’s oldest continuous gold-mining town — and one of the best spots to pan today. Its creeks still produce small flakes and the occasional nugget, just like they did over a century ago.

What to Expect: Old cabins, relics of mining days gone by, and plenty of gravel bars to explore.
Permit/Fee: Most public lands nearby are open for recreational panning — always check local Forest Service signs.
Tip: Bring a metal detector! Liberty is one of the few spots in Washington where nuggets still turn up.

Swauk Creek – Near Cle Elum

Just down the road from Liberty, Swauk Creek winds quietly through forest and meadow, carrying a golden reputation of its own. It’s a perfect place for beginners to learn the art of the pan.

What to Expect: Shallow bends, clear water, and relaxing sounds of the creek.
Permit/Fee: Public access near Liberty Campground.
Tip: Gold tends to settle behind large rocks after high water — that’s where you’ll strike your luck.

Nooksack River – Whatcom County

Running off the slopes of Mount Baker, the Nooksack River is known for fine, glacial gold. The water can be chilly, but the scenery is spectacular — snow peaks, cedar forests, and emerald-green flows that make the effort worth every minute.

What to Expect: Fast-moving water, peaceful forests, and occasional fine gold.
Permit/Fee: Public access areas available; check state regulations before you go.
Tip: Look for darker “black sand” deposits — that’s nature’s sign that gold might be nearby.

Peshastin Creek – Near Leavenworth

A beautiful mountain stream outside Leavenworth, Peshastin creek offers a blend of scenery and history. It was once home to thriving gold camps — and there’s still color in the gravel today.

What to Expect: Shaded canyon, accessible riverbanks, and a few active panners on weekends.
Permit/Fee: Forest Service land — no special permit needed for hand-panning.
Tip: Morning light is perfect for spotting glimmers in the pan (and for photos, too!).

Sultan River – Snohomish County

If you’re looking for a fun, easy weekend trip near Seattle, the Sultan River is an ideal spot. Long panned for fine “flour gold,” it’s beginner-friendly and offers wide, open spaces to set up your gear.

What to Expect: Shallow areas for families, quiet forests, and clean water.
Permit/Fee: Review the Washington Gold & Fish pamphlet before you go.
Tip: Bring knee pads — crouching over the pan all day can wear on you faster than you think!

Skagit River – North Cascades

Flowing through dramatic cliffs and evergreen valleys, the Skagit River is one of Washington’s most scenic places to hunt for gold. Many still find small flakes along the gravel bars, especially after the spring melt.

What to Expect: Towering mountain backdrops and rugged riverbanks.
Permit/Fee: Public stretches are open to non-motorized prospecting.
Tip: Combine your trip with a photography hike — the fog over the Skagit in early morning light is pure magic.

Similkameen River – Okanogan County

Along the Canadian border near Oroville, the Similkameen River winds through wide-open desert and golden hills. This area is rich in placer gold, and you can still pan freely along much of the river.

What to Expect: Remote landscapes, sunshine, and sparkling water.
Permit/Fee: Free for hand-panning; verify private land boundaries.
Tip: Use a small sluice to increase your chances — fine gold loves this river.

Columbia River Bars – Central Washington

The mighty Columbia River has carried gold for millennia. Along certain gravel bars near Wenatchee and Vantage, you’ll find ultra-fine flakes mixed with black sand — a challenge, but a rewarding one.

What to Expect: Broad river views and quiet, peaceful stretches.
Permit/Fee: Hand-panning is allowed; no motorized dredging.
Tip: Bring a classifier to separate sand from gold dust — patience pays here!

Green River – Auburn to Enumclaw

For an easy day trip close to the city, the Green River is hard to beat. It’s perfect for beginners who want to test their luck without traveling far. You’ll often see other panners out on sunny weekends.

What to Expect: Calm bends and shaded riverbanks.
Permit/Fee: Free; check local rules regarding fish habitat zones.
Tip: Try panning after moderate rains — that’s when fresh material moves downstream.

Stillaguamish River – Arlington Area

The North Fork of the Stillaguamish River was part of Washington’s early gold rush trail, and it still produces small flakes for those with patience and a keen eye.

What to Expect: Tranquil waters, forested trails, and spots that feel untouched by time.
Permit/Fee: Free for pans and shovels; follow “Gold and Fish” guidelines.
Tip: Visit in early summer when the water level drops — more gravel, more gold!

What You’ll Need

• Gold pan and small shovel
• Classifier or screen for sorting gravel
• Snuffer bottle or vial for flakes
• Waterproof boots or waders
• A thermos and patience — because the real treasure is in the experience!

For More Experienced Prospectors

If you're ready to level up your gold recovery, here are two upgrades that we swear by:

• Dream Mat for Your Sluice – This innovative mat design increases fine-gold capture and boosts overall efficiency. We can not brag about this mat enough! Not only did our gold recovery double after switching to this mat, we noticed most gold was caught in the first three ripples. Inserts and removes easily, making clean up way better than traditional mats. By far the best mat on the market!

• Mini Highbanker Clean-Up Kit – A compact, power-packed system that helps you clean up your concentrates like a pro. Our biggest complaint is the final clean-up, so Jason purchased this kit and we put it to the test. I couldn't believe my eyes and made him run it through again! Wish they had invented this little guy twenty years ago! It catches even the fine gold all at the top and washes away all the black sand.

Before You Go

• Check the “Gold and Fish” pamphlet by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (it’s free online).
• Respect private land and get permission where needed.
• Motorized dredging is not allowed in most areas.
• Rivers rise quickly — stay alert and safe.
• Leave it clean — pack out what you bring in.

Final Thoughts

Gold panning in Washington isn’t just about what you find — it’s about what you feel. The quiet rhythm of the river. The scent of pine and earth. The thrill of uncovering something ancient and real. Whether you’re swirling sand at Liberty or watching the sun set over the Skagit, every golden flake is a reminder that adventure still lives in our streams.

So go ahead — grab your pan, roll up your sleeves, and see if Washington has a little sparkle waiting for you.