PVG 2012 64-98 sports USE:Layout 1
4/3/12
11:27 AM
Page 87
G O L D PA N N I N G & R O C K H O U D I N G
Gold panning and mining have been popular activities in Plumas County since the 1800s. Although most of the camps that sprang up during the gold rush are now gone, there are some spots where visitors can relive history and even find a few remainThe Golden Caribou Mining Association offers gold panning lessons and equipment usage. It operates out of Caribou Crossroads
Suzi Brakken
ing flakes of gold.
Campground and Cafe, located on Caribou Road and Highway 70, 27 miles west of Quincy. The association has more than 1,500 acres of
The lure of gold and getting wet might entice your kids to turn off video games and try out some fun by the creek!
gold mining claims in the berships for vacationers, as well as one-
Experienced gold panners with equipment are welcome to seek gold
to pan for gold on your own, the Plumas
year trial and lifetime memberships.
anywhere on public national forest land
County Museum, located behind the
The association provides access to the
that has not been staked (usually where
courthouse in Quincy, has a good refer-
claims and training in panning, prospect-
posted). However, since most of the land
ence book for sale.
ing, metal detecting and dredging. Call
is staked, you’ll need to do some research
The book explains how and where to
(530) 283-5141 for more information or
during the week at the County Recorder’s
pan, what equipment is needed, safety
visit www.goldencaribou.com.
office, which keeps mining claim loca-
tips, and includes diagrams, drawings
Advanced Geologic Gold Prospector’s Club based in Chester of-
tions on file.
and photos.
A few areas exist where claims are not
Equipment for gold panning can be
fers members access to claims through-
allowed and recreational gold panning is
purchased at area sporting goods and de-
out the county, along with equipment
permitted. Contact the Plumas, Lassen
partment stores.
sales. Call (530) 258-4228 or visit:
and Tahoe National Forest offices for
www.advancedgeologic.com.
more details on gold panning regulations.
Plumas National Forest and offers mem-
The
If you’re interested in learning how
For more information, contact one of the visitor centers listed on page 10.
roc k h o u n d i n g Plumas County is renowned for its rocks and unique rock formations. Rock hounds can find treasures in natural quartz crystals, rose quartz, fossils and petrified wood. The area’s diverse geology is caused by the meeting of two mountain ranges (Sierra Nevada and Cascade) and the Great Basin to the east, with a close proximity to an active volcano, Mount Lassen, located on the north side of the county. Such geology has produced truly unique formations, including the giant layers of exfoliating granite in the Feather River Canyon and the towering lava conglomerates in Little Last Chance Creek Canyon on the way to Frenchman Lake. Other geological treats include deposits of columnar
basalt and gold-bearing gravel. There are good fossil hunting opportunities from Mount Hough and Mount Jura in the Indian Valley area to Clover Valley in Eastern Plumas, and petrified wood has been found in the area of Hartman Bar Ridge. Rose quartz is commonly found on Last Chance Creek east of Antelope Lake. To see a display of local minerals visit the Mt. Jura Gem & Museum Society in the Indian Valley Museum in Taylorsville, open weekend afternoons during summer or visit the Plumas-Eureka State Park Museum in Johnsville, open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in summer. Contact information can be found on page 10.
2012 - 2013 PLUMAS COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE
87