Gold Panning Adventures - Helena

Gold panning for novices and experienced prospectors. One on one instruction given for panning gold and the use of a sluice box, rocker, and an electric powered Denver Gold Saver. Keep all the gold you find but don't count on getting rich.

Three features of this outing are unique. Instruction is by a geologist that specializes in gold placer sampling and has over 30 years of experience. This is much more of an instructional course than a typical gold panning tourist trap next to the road where you are given a pan and turned loose to pan gravel in a horse trough. Second, the property is off the beaten path in a very scenic area. Third, the Denver Gold Saver and a pump are powered by a 24-volt battery that may be charged with solar panels.

This business operates intermittently from June through September, depending upon demand. Reservations are required for either the 9:00am to 2:00pm time slot or the 2:00pm to 7:00pm shift. The time for the five hour course is generally flexible since there is usually only one group a day. Unsupervised gold panning for the rest of the day is free of charge.

The following charges apply and require a 50 per cent nonrefundable deposit to be received at least 5 days before your scheduled time: 1 or 2 people $140, 3 to 6 people $160.

All guests will need to bring their own food and drinks. Since the surrounding area is public land managed by the Forest Service, camping is available but no services are provided. There are several motels in Townsend, just 35 miles away, or commercial campgrounds are as close as 13 miles along Canyon Ferry Reservoir.