Gold Panning in Sierra County

Sierra County's history is tied to that of the California gold rush. While prior to the discovery of gold the county was the home to both Maidu and Washoe Indians, it was the discovery of gold and subsequent gold rush that saw some 16,000 miners settle within the county between 1848 and 1860.

Today it's harder to find places to gold mine due to claims — always look for mining claim signs when approaching the river to gold pan. If there are claim signs posted, that area is off limits for the casual gold-panner.

Gold panning is open to the public in Downieville just behind the Gallows Café & Pizzeria.