Rockhounding/Gold Panning

Rockhounding and recreational mining are permitted activities on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management.  The usual rockhound materials, including agates and stones, may be collected in reasonable quantities for hobby use.  Petrified wood collection on BLM lands is limited to 25 pounds plus one piece per day to a maximum of 250 pounds per year.  Panning and sluicing for gold may be arranged through permit at certain areas.
 
For detailed information on specific sites, visit the websites below.
 
  • Bakersfield Field Office (Recreational Mining: Kern River - Keyesville)
  • Barstow Field Office (Rockhounding)
  • El Centro Field Office (Rockhounding)
  • Hollister Field Office (Rockhounding, fosiil collecting: Panoche & Tumey Hills)
  • Mother Lode Field Office (Recreational Mining: South Yuba River, Merced River)
  • Needles Field Office (Rockhounding, fossil collecting)
  • Redding Field Office (Recreational Mining: Forks of Butte Creek)

    •  COLLECTING GUIDELINES

    1. Know whose property you are on.
    2. Get permission when collecting on private property and mining claims.
    3. Don't use blasting materials or mechanized earth moving equipment.
    4. Limit excavation depth to four feet and fill in holes before you leave.
    5. Collect only what you can reasonably use until your next trip.
    6. Leave all gates as you found them.
    7. Find out if any fire restrictions are in effect.
    8. Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving the area.
    9. No vehicles or mechanized or equipment are allowed in wilderness areas.
    10. All Vehicles are limited to designated/signed open routes.  If a route in not signed it is not open to vehicle travel.

    Additional information about fossil collecting and the use of metal detectors may be found below: