Interactive Gold River Map

Understanding California's Gold Country

California's gold-bearing rivers follow a distinct pattern, primarily flowing west from the Sierra Nevada mountains. The most productive rivers cut through ancient tertiary channels—prehistoric riverbeds that were rich in gold.

The map highlights the major gold-producing rivers, but numerous smaller tributaries and creeks also contain significant gold deposits. Many of these smaller waterways are actually richer in gold per cubic yard of material than the main rivers.

When evaluating a potential mining location, consider not just the river itself, but its geological context, historical production, and physical features like bedrock exposure and natural gold traps.