Hamilton: Gold Prospecting in Skagit County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Hamilton is a mapped rockhounding spot in Skagit County, Washington. Reported finds include hematite, gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Skagit County
State: Washington
Nearest road: South Skagit Highway
Postcode: 98284
Coordinates: 48.51706, -121.96788

Geology at Hamilton

This spot sits on ground mapped as water that formed within roughly the last 12,000 years. Placer gold, where present, typically concentrates in the gravels and washes that drain ground like this.

Mapped unit: water
Age: < 1 Ma (Holocene)
Elevation: 100 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 Hamilton

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CONCRETE PPL FISH STN station (10 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 Hamilton

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

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Hamilton.

Hamilton FAQ

Where is Hamilton?+

Hamilton is in Skagit County, Washington, at 48.51706, -121.96788. Nearest road: South Skagit Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hamilton?+

Hamilton is reported to produce Hematite, Gold.

Is collecting allowed at Hamilton?+

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 Hamilton?+

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 Hamilton?+

The most comfortable months at Hamilton are February to November.

How do I get to Hamilton?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 48.51706, -121.96788 in Google Maps. The nearest road is South Skagit Highway.

More rockhounding in Washington

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Open Hamilton on the map

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