Gold Panning in Washington?

I have heard of people doing this but have never seen anything on it.Does anybody know what i would have to do to get started as a not so frequent second hobbyist?this would be for fun so it would need be in a semi safe location...Anyone?

Are you talking some simple gold panning? Or do you really mean mining?

That is the word i was looking for thanks D yes panning.I am very interested.It seems like a cool gift to give somebody.

i hate to tell ya but nobodys gonna give up their gold finding hotspots if they do pan. you can do it on a lot of rivers out here tho, just need all the proper gear and licenses.

Not looking for a "hotspot" just a spot in general i have no clue where to begin.

I would start here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/mining/

Find out what is required first from 'the man' (local government).

Also you need to be careful not to trespass on private property when you do go out.

The actual supplies can be obtained quite cheaply on-line and there is a ton of free info. You might even see if there are any 'clubs' out there.

yeah ive seen a couple of videos online where this guy makes a sluice box and panning materials out of the land itself. he pans a bunch out and just leaves it there for the next guy. pretty neat way of doing things i thought. check into where gold has been found in washington already. during the gold rush it was 40$ an ounce and technology didnt allow for the best results so theres still a lot to be found out there (its what theyre doing on all those discovery channel mining shows)

i have been looking with no links to where it would show a location.I know the recreational equipment is cheap that is why i think it would be a fun little investment

http://www.wwgpaa.org/index.html. There might be some info at that site -- links to outings, meetings, message board, etc.

If there are any streams or rivers near you, you could just do some exploring. You could find your own claim. Just make sure you aren't breaking any laws.

go to a local rock and gem show, they are all over the place , find some rock hounding books, I have a good one , I'll check the name later,,, oh its "Gem Trails of Washington"

The whole book is maps and directions to find cool rocks and gems, including some old gold mines and panning streams, good luck.

I am looking at the GPAA site it looks promising.Will have to look into Shows for sure