I hadn’t planned on doing that sort of thing, but it might be fun. I love goofing around near creeks and rivers.
I’ve looked at panning in the past. It might be fund just to try it a few times.
panning at well traveled intersections appears lucrative for some people...
If your in the LA area; the upper areas of the East San Gabriel river have gold in them, pretty good hike but might be worth it.
Best place (for good color) I know in that area down there is the East Fork of the Prairie Fork of the San Gabriel River. Good gold on the gravel benches about 100 yards above the creek, but damn hard to get to.
Go to the top of Blue Ridge (just above Wrightwood, Ca.), take the dirt road (if it’s still there) to the bottom of Prairie Fork Canyon, go west on the creek as far as your vehicle will take you, then walk in about another mile or two.
Try the holes and gravel beds in the creek, should be good color back in there after the fires several years ago.
GOOD LUCK, hope I have created another GOLD MINER, we are a dying breed.
I have been a member of the Hayfork Mining Council of the Hayfork Mining District for about 20 years, we don’t get to do to much mining anymore but we keep fighting for our rights under the 1872 Mining Laws, courts take time.
Check around, you might find a local Mining Council in some of the foothill communities.
I know that the LA Museum of Natural History has a Gem and Mineral Council, they might be able to give you some direction on finding the local councils.