How to Find Gold in Alaska

Pan at public mining locations. Panning gives you an idea of the work involved, and helps you decide for or against a more aggressive approach to finding gold. Nome Creek, Caribou Creek and Pedro Dome are three of several locations that allow recreational gold mining.

Look for "color" by taking random panning samples along a riverbed. Stay put and concentrate your efforts on specific portions of the riverbank if you find small specks of gold.

Investigate the material in close proximity to large boulders and crevices. Heavier gold often collects in deep cracks in bedrock and around boulders. Fast-moving water moves the lighter rocks and sand over these formations.

Set up a sluice box. This is a slightly more aggressive method that allows you to scan more material using the flow of river water to separate gold from sand. Small-scale versions are allowed on many of the rivers open to public mining.

Target the gold-bearing beaches of Nome, Alaska. Suction dredging is a common method, but simple gold panning also works. Gold is said to be found in smaller grain in association with black and red sand.

Join a mining club. Some mining clubs own claims that allow members access to gold-bearing parcels of land not available to the public. Membership fees vary. This might be a profitable strategy for those who can devote a whole season to finding gold.

Become a self-taught geologist. Many books give detailed discussions on how gold was originally formed near fault lines and other formations. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions. View topographical maps to target your search for gold.