Gold in Alaska

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is one of our public lands preserving the history of gold rush communities in Alaska.

Left: Library and Archives Canada, C-28645.
Right: NPS photo/R. Karpilo & S. Venator.

"There's gold in them thar hills!"

The cry for gold has been part of the Alaskan experience since at least the 1880s, when gold was discovered in Canada's Yukon Territory, accessible through coastal Alaska. This is the origin story of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the town of Skagway, Alaska. Several other communities were founded at least in part by prospectors, including Fairbanks, Juneau, and Nome.

In modern Alaska, gold mining is less robust than it once was, though some private mines exist and there are opportunities for visitors to try recreational gold panning.

 

Independence Mine State Historical Park is a great place to see Alaska's gold mining history for yourself – just outside of Anchorage!

Library of Congress

Gold Panning

Recreational gold panning and prospecting are permitted, with restrictions, on some public land in Alaska. On private lands or mining claims, the owner's permission is required to mine or pan for gold. Alaska Native villages and corporation lands are private. Being aware of what land you're on, who it belongs to, and what is permitted is a must.

It is not easy to determine where on public lands recreational gold mining is possible and permitted. You must always check on the status of the land before beginning your activities. If you are unsure of the status of a particular area, check with the federal Bureau of Land Management. They maintain the most up to date maps and information on land status, but you will need to know the exact location of the land in which you are interested, including meridian, township, range, and sometimes section.

 

When gold panning, be careful to minimize impacts on the ecosystem.

BLM Photo

Environmental Considerations

A recreational miner should work only in the active stream channel or on unvegetated gravel bars. No digging or excavating should be done in the stream banks. Environmental impacts should always be considered and minimized. Mining activities in streams might be restricted to protect fish and other organisms.

Even with simple tools, damage can be done. Care should be taken to minimize scarring the terrain or destroying natural resources. Fish and the aquatic insects they eat have difficulty surviving in heavily silted streams. You should not wash soil and vegetative material directly into the stream flow. Digging in the gravel beds can also destroy fish eggs.

Respect archeological, paleontological, and historical objects that you may find. It is unlawful to remove such artifacts from the site.