RockHoundR

Where to Find Gold in Washington

Washington has 22 mapped collecting spots that report gold, spread across 15 counties. The largest share sits in Snohomish County with 4 spots. 18 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.

Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.

Open the full map

Every gold spot we track in Washington

  • Aerial view of LibertyBest spotLibertyKittitas County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of Shi Shi BeachShi Shi BeachClallam County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold, Iridosmine, Platinum
  • Aerial view of HamiltonHamiltonSkagit County, WashingtonPublic access · Hematite, Gold
  • Aerial view of Lyman LakeLyman LakeOkanogan County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold, Quartz
  • Aerial view of Pasayten WildernessPasayten WildernessWhatcom County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold, Pyrite
  • Aerial view of American RiverAmerican RiverYakima County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of Brush PrairieBrush PrairieClark County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of CamasCamasClark County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of ClarkstonClarkstonAsotin County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of Columbia RiverColumbia RiverChelan County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of DarringtonDarringtonSnohomish County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold
  • Aerial view of Gold BarGold BarSnohomish County, WashingtonPublic access · Gold

Standout gold spots in Washington

Hand-picked from the full list above, with the reason each one earns a trip.

Best counties for gold in Washington

Ranked by the number of mapped gold spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.

Before you go

Read the gold identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Gold in the encyclopedia.

Gold in Washington FAQ

Where can you find gold in Washington?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Snohomish County, Asotin County, and Clallam County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many gold spots are mapped in Washington?+
22 spots across 15 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.
Is it legal to collect gold in Washington?+
Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 18 of the 22 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.

Where else to find gold

More minerals to hunt in Washington

Hunt gold in Washington with the map in your pocket

RockHoundR puts these spots on an offline map with BLM and Forest Service overlays, geology layers, and a log for your finds.

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