Best Places to Pan for California Gold

1. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: This park is located in Coloma, California, and it's the site of the first discovery of gold in California in 1848. The park offers opportunities for gold panning in the American River, as well as guided tours, exhibits, and a replica of Sutter's Mill.

2. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park: This park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and it's the site of one of the largest hydraulic mining operations in California. Visitors can pan for gold in the park's creek and learn about the history of hydraulic mining.

3. American River at Auburn State Recreation Area: The American River is a well-known spot for gold panning, and the Auburn State Recreation Area offers several access points along the river where visitors can pan for gold.

4. Feather River at Oroville State Recreation Area: The Feather River is another popular spot for gold panning, and the Oroville State Recreation Area offers several access points along the river where visitors can pan for gold.

5. Columbia State Historic Park: This park is located in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and it's a living history museum that recreates the gold rush era. Visitors can pan for gold in the park's creek and learn about the history of the area.

6. South Yuba River State Park: This park offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold in the scenic South Yuba River, as well as swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

7. Roaring Camp Mining Company: This company offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold in the Merced River, as well as guided tours of the area's historic gold mines.

8. Gold Bug Park & Mine: This park is located in Placerville, California, and it offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold in a restored mining tunnel, as well as guided tours of the mine and exhibits on the area's mining history.

9. Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park: This park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and it offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold in the park's creek, as well as learn about the area's Native American history.

10. Kennedy Gold Mine: This mine is located in Jackson, California, and it's a restored gold mine that offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold in the mine's tailings, as well as guided tours of the mine.

Conclusion

It's important to note that the availability and accessibility of these areas might change over time. It's always a good idea to check with the local authorities or park officials to confirm if the area is open for panning, and if there are any specific regulations or permits required. Also keep in mind that these areas can be popular and busy and have restrictions in terms of equipment, hours and the number of people at a time. It's also important to be respectful of the area and the environment and to clean up after yourself when done panning.