Pasayten Wilderness: Gold Prospecting in Whatcom County, Washington

Updated June 2026

Pasayten Wilderness is a mapped rockhounding spot in Whatcom County, Washington. Reported finds include gold, pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Whatcom County
State: Washington
Nearest road: Forest Road 5400-700
Coordinates: 48.73126, -120.74985

Geology at Pasayten Wilderness

This spot sits on Goat Creek Formation, mapped as marine sedimentary rocks that formed roughly 145 to 100 million years ago. In sedimentary country like this, any placer gold is typically recycled from older gravels, concentrating again in modern stream beds.

Mapped unit: Goat Creek Formation
Age: 145–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Rock types: marine sedimentary rocks
Elevation: 4,300 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 Pasayten Wilderness

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 68°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ROSS DAM station (15 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Pasayten Wilderness

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 Pasayten Wilderness.

Pasayten Wilderness FAQ

Where is Pasayten Wilderness?+

Pasayten Wilderness is in Whatcom County, Washington, at 48.73126, -120.74985. Nearest road: Forest Road 5400-700.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pasayten Wilderness?+

Pasayten Wilderness is reported to produce Gold, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Pasayten Wilderness?+

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 Pasayten Wilderness?+

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 Pasayten Wilderness?+

The most comfortable months at Pasayten Wilderness are April to October.

How do I get to Pasayten Wilderness?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 48.73126, -120.74985 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Forest Road 5400-700.

More rockhounding in Washington

See all 92 Washington spots →

Open Pasayten Wilderness on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.