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Trying to decide just what activities to add to your itinerary on your next Alaskan cruise? Well, we have the answer: gold panning! Gold Panning is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of Alaska while making memories that will last a lifetime.
First things first: what is gold panning? It’s exactly what it sounds like! Gold panning is a method of recovering gold from streams, rivers, or other bodies of water using a small bowl-shaped tool called a “gold pan.” This activity can be done by hand or with mechanical assistance (like using a suction pump, or a sluice box to help rinse the sand out).
Here’s the burning question everybody wants to know the answer to: can you keep any gold you find while gold panning in Alaska? The answer: Yes you can! Every gold flake and piece you find is yours to keep.
The History of Gold Panning in Alaska
The first recorded instance of gold being found in Alaska dates back to 1848 when Russian explorers discovered it while exploring the area around the Kenai River. They stumbled onto placer gold, a type of gold that is found in a mineral deposit such as sand or gravel; this deposit is carried along a water source from an upstream mountain or glacier. Placer gold is technically 70 to 90% pure, defaulting to 19 karats, but can be rated up to 23 karats. Other precious minerals such as garnets can also be found while gold panning in Alaska.
Gold mining in Alaska didn’t start until the 1870s. As word about the gold spread, more and more people flocked to Alaska in search of finding fortune, culminating in the infamous Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899. Alaska continues to be the largest gold-producing state in the nation today.
Fun Facts About Gold Panning in Alaska
* Alaska has more than 30 million acres of National Forest lands that are open to recreational gold prospecting without a permit or a mining claim
* While gold has been found throughout Alaska, the areas near Fairbanks and Juneau have historically yielded the most gold
* The largest piece of gold in Alaska was found in 1998 in Swift Creek by modern prospector Barry Clay; it reportedly weighed in at 294.1 troy ounces (20.16 lbs!), and was named The Alaska Centennial Nugget. It sold in auction for $750,000 US dollars in 2021
When you should visit
The best time of year to go gold panning is between May and September, also known as the Gold Season. Of course, the summer months are also good as they are warmer — a big consideration as you will be panning for gold in cold rivers!
Where You Can Pan for Gold While Cruising in Alaska
If you’re cruising in Alaska and want to try your hand at panning for gold, here are some of the more popular spots where you can do it:
Gold Creek in Last Chance Basin
Gold Creek outside of Juneau is a 12-mile creek named for the gold discovered along its banks in 1880 by prospectors Richard Harris and Joe Juneau, guided by Tlingit Chief Kowee. Enjoy an entertaining gold panning demonstration as you learn all about the gold rush, then join the locals and your fellow tourists panning for gold in the streaming waters. While here, be sure to take a moment to soak in the breathtaking greenery and waterfalls.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
Just outside Skagway at the foot of White Pass is Liarsville, an area colorfully named after the Klondike-era journalists who spun tall tales after visiting there. The old camp, with its bordello and laundry tents, will have you feeling as though you stepped back in time as you observe the artifacts, including miner’s clothing and the Victorian dresses worn by the painted ladies of the Old West. Enjoy a delicious outdoor salmon feast, then head to the Liarsville goldfields to try your luck as you search for gold.
AJ Gastineau Mine
The AJ Gastineau Mine, located in the mountains of northern Alaska, was once the largest gold producing mill in the world. Visitors can walk 360 feet deep into a mining tunnel, watch a stamp mill in operation and, of course, try their hand at panning for gold.
Chicken Gold Camp
Also known as the Chicken Creek Outpost, this former gold mining camp was established in the 1930s and today remains completely off the grid. Pan for gold, then hit up the onsite museum to learn more about the site’s place in gold mining history and view the mining artifacts.
El Dorado Gold Mine
El Dorado Gold Mine was founded by two brothers from nearby Fairbanks, then changed multiple hands over time until operations ceased during WWII. Today it’s back up and running, offering visitors a chance to pan for gold and tour the mines.
Crow Creek Mine
This family-owned mine, located about one hour south of Anchorage, is home to one of Alaska’s best known hydraulic gold mining operations. Its unique blend of historical buildings, old mining equipment, hiking trails, and gold mine tours are a history lover’s delight.
Experience Gold Panning While Cruising in Alaska
Gold panning is a great family activity, as it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You will learn how to find gold flakes or nuggets, which are small pieces of gold that have washed down rivers and streams over time. Gold panning will help you gain an understanding of how gold is discovered in nature, which makes it even more exciting!
You don’t need to be an expert at panning before you go on a gold panning excursion; our guides will teach you what to look for when panning for gold — and how to use a gold pan — so that you can get started right away!
What to Expect During the Excursion
Listed below are some tips for making sure your gold panning excursion is a success:
* Don’t be shy! Ask your guide about where to go and what to expect before you go out. He (or she) will be able to tell you the best equipment to bring, if there are any special rules or tips about where to look for gold, as well as what to look for when panning for gold.
* Bring snacks and water with you—it’s going to take some time before you find any gold. And don’t forget sunscreen!
* Bring a bag or bucket so you can store your findings at the end of the day
* Use caution when walking around the mines and down the banks of the river or creek; more often than not you will be walking over rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain (that being said, there are some gold mining places that are more “walk-friendly” than others, so be sure to ask if navigation is a concern for you)
What to Wear During Your Gold Panning Excursion
Wearing the right clothing can make the difference between being distracted by the cold and damp, or being comfortable and able to focus on the task at hand. Here are our recommendations:
* A pair of jeans that are not too tight or baggy (too tight will make it hard to swing your pan; too baggy will get in the way)
* Light layers, such as tee shirts and thin jackets, that you can add on or peel off as needed
* Dry socks to switch into after your gold panning adventure (you never know when you’ll get wet feet)
* A pair of waterproof shoes or boots that are easy to take off
* Warm gloves to prevent frozen fingers (in the colder months) and to protect your hands and fingers from any blisters if you do any digging
Gold Panning Tips & Tricks
Your expert guide will teach you how to perform gold panning, however here are a few tricks to keep in mind:
* It’s all in the wrist! Make sure to get a lot of water in your pan and swirl it vigorously around to help separate the gold from the sand
* An easy way to find gold nuggets is to try looking at the bottom of rivers or streams instead of in lakes or ponds; the moving water will help wash away loose rocks that might uncover the gold deposits
* Try using an old-fashioned sluice box instead of a pan; it will catch all of those small pieces that might slip through your fingers while panning by hand
* Panning for gold requires plenty of patience, so have some fun with it! Panning is a perfect way to get a taste of the thrill the Klondike prospectors experienced as they saw gold specks in their pans. Now you probably won’t get rich… but you might just score enough gold to fashion into a small piece of jewelry
Gold panning is one of the most unique family fun experiences in the country. You’ll get to experience the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness while learning a new skill: a true win-win! If you’re ready to strike it rich, then call us today. We’ll connect you to your inner gold rush prospector through an exciting gold panning excursion on your next Alaskan cruise.
