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Woods Creek / Jamestown Area

CAbeginner

Southern Mother Lode · near Jamestown · ~1,400 ft

Map
Solid likelihood

Great starter ground for families. Try both wet panning and dry banks near historic camps.

DirectionsLog dig
Dry creekPlacerGravel bar

Access

Mixed access

Best season

Year-round

Water

seasonal

Geology & history

Mother Lode southern belt.

Historic yield: Tuolumne County camps

Dispersion radius: ~8 km corridor on the map

Coordinates: 37.9500, -120.4200

Best features

  • Beginner friendly
  • Day-trip access

Field tips

  1. Great starter ground for families
  2. Try both wet panning and dry banks
  3. Local shops rent gear

Nearby corridors

~34 mi away

Mokelumne River Corridor

CA

Central Mother Lode · near Jackson

Foothill river with bars and side channels that rebuild after storms. Fine to medium gold typical.

High
RiverGravel barPlacer
DetailsMap

~41 mi away

Mariposa Creek Country

CA

Southern Mother Lode · near Mariposa

Classic foothill creeks with tourist-friendly digs and real geology. Fine gold common; patience pays.

High
Dry creekPlacerGravel bar
DetailsMap

~74 mi away

American River — North Fork

CA

Sierra Nevada Foothills · near Auburn

Classic California placer ground. Gold sheds from Sierra quartz veins and settles in river bends, behind boulders, and on false bedrock.

Exceptional
RiverGravel barBedrockPlacer
DetailsMap

Verify claims and land status before any excavation. Coordinates are approximate corridor centers for education. See Terms.