Mary Ann Creek: Gold Prospecting in Okanogan County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Mary Ann Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Okanogan County, Washington. Reported finds include gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Okanogan County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Mary Ann Creek Road
Postcode: 98844
Coordinates: 48.93977, -119.09815

Geology at Mary Ann Creek

This spot sits on continental glacial drift, Fraser-age; mostly Vashon Stade in western WA; unnamed in eastern WA, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Stream-worked gravels like these are where placer gold tends to concentrate, settling toward bedrock, inside gravel bars, and behind boulders.

Mapped unit: continental glacial drift, Fraser-age; mostly Vashon Stade in western WA; unnamed in eastern WA
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene)
Rock types: sand and gravel
Elevation: 3,480 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Mary Ann Creek

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TONASKET 11NE station (12 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Washington Geological Survey (DNR)
Stonerose Interpretive Center — Visit & rules
BLM Spokane District
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Mary Ann Creek

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Gold Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Mary Ann Creek.

Mary Ann Creek FAQ

Where is Mary Ann Creek?+

Mary Ann Creek is in Okanogan County, Washington, at 48.93977, -119.09815. Nearest road: Mary Ann Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mary Ann Creek?+

Mary Ann Creek is reported to produce Gold.

Is collecting allowed at Mary Ann Creek?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Mary Ann Creek?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Mary Ann Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Mary Ann Creek are April to October.

How do I get to Mary Ann Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 48.93977, -119.09815 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mary Ann Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Washington

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Open Mary Ann Creek on the map

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