Places to Gold Pan in the Anchorage Area

Chugach National Forest

• Set off on an adventure of recreational gold panning in the Chugach National Forest, located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. As opposed to other gold panning operations, the National Forest allows customers to inquire about claiming 20 acres, usually parallel to a stream, to pan gold. The gold panning will be independent, rather than operated by a guide. Because the panning stream is located in a national forest, you will be required to preserve the stream and surrounding forest so that others can also enjoy the opportunity to pan gold.

Bertha Creek Panning Area

• Bertha Creek is a popular panning area located just off Seward Highway, south of Turnagain Pass. This creek is open to recreational panning, although you are required to bring your own panning equipment. This area offers scenic views and a high yield of gold.

Sixmile Creek Panning Area

• Gold was first discovered in Sixmile Creek in 1895, and since then it has been a popular hit for miners and gold panners. Since its discovery, up to 2,000 ounces of gold have been taken from the creek. To get there, drive 2.2 miles on Hope Road on the Kenai Peninsula. Parking is available at a pullout at the side of the road. A steep trail leads down to the creek. Gold panning on Sixmile Creek is also available at mile 4.3 on Hope Road, where you can find a vehicle turnout and a trail to the creek.

Resurrection Creek Panning Area

• One of the largest discoveries of gold on the Kenai Peninsula was along Resurrection Creek. Since its discovery in 1888, somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 ounces of gold have been taken from the creek. Here you can expect to find washed-away gold within the gravel and throughout the clay and bedrock. To get there, access Resurrection Creek Road from Hope Road and follow the signs to the Resurrection Creek trailhead. Follow the trail across a footbridge to reach the panning area.