Oregon trip

Akronplacer

Jr. Member
Jan 3, 2022
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I am going to be headed to grants pass in June. It's not specifically a prospecting trip but I plan to get a big of shiny to bring home.

I'm worried about accidentally encroaching on established claims. Mylandmatters shows so much of the area is claimed up. How do I know if I'm legal or not? Claims can't be as huge as show on the website. Blm site says a claim is 20 acres but the box on mylandmatters covers 100s of acres.

Any tips on avoiding claims or locations where I should go that I don't have to worry so much about it? I'm just taking some pans and a sluice and crevassing tools.
 

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I am going to be headed to grants pass in June. It's not specifically a prospecting trip but I plan to get a big of shiny to bring home.

I'm worried about accidentally encroaching on established claims. Mylandmatters shows so much of the area is claimed up. How do I know if I'm legal or not? Claims can't be as huge as show on the website. Blm site says a claim is 20 acres but the box on mylandmatters covers 100s of acres.

Any tips on avoiding claims or locations where I should go that I don't have to worry so much about it? I'm just taking some pans and a sluice and crevassing tools.
The lady/people at the prospecting supply store in town (Armadillo mining co) is very helpful. I always make it a point to stop in when I go up there. They have a website too so google it.

Good luck.
 

The prospecting supply store in town (Armadillo mining co) is very helpful. I make it a point to stop in when I go up there. They have a website too so google it.

Good luck.
Excellent...my girlfriend lived there for many years but couldn't remember the store name or where it was.

We are going to make a ring for her out of Ohio gold and Oregon gold 😁. Hoping to find gold from the Umpqua because that's her favorite place but I'll take what I can get. She also said she will take me to cow creek.
 

Know your TRS and look up the County recorder. Sometimes they have records available online, but most times you'll have to go to the office. You can make copies of legal claims there.
What's a TRS? I live in an area where gold mining and claims are not a thing so forgive my ignorance.

There is no claimable land here in Ohio. It's all private except for state hunting lands and one national forest so I am not familiar with the terminology.
 

What's a TRS? I live in an area where gold mining and claims are not a thing so forgive my ignorance.

There is no claimable land here in Ohio. It's all private except for state hunting lands and one national forest so I am not familiar with the terminology.
Sorry, TRS is Township, Range, and Section. Most Topographical maps will show these.
 

Yah, like arizau said, stop in and talk to Sam at Armadillo Mining in Grants Pass. She’s a real character with a great personality. She will know the lowdown of the local prospecting scene. Lot of nice equipment as well in case you forget or need something.

Mike
yeah.... talk to the locals, that'll save a couple days research time and time is very valuable in this game
 

I am going to be headed to grants pass in June. It's not specifically a prospecting trip but I plan to get a big of shiny to bring home.

I'm worried about accidentally encroaching on established claims. Mylandmatters shows so much of the area is claimed up. How do I know if I'm legal or not? Claims can't be as huge as show on the website. Blm site says a claim is 20 acres but the box on mylandmatters covers 100s of acres.

Any tips on avoiding claims or locations where I should go that I don't have to worry so much about it? I'm just taking some pans and a sluice and crevassing tools.
Takes hours of research at the recorders office.

Maybe someone local to that area will offer up a day or two of prospecting on their claim and you could repay them with some rib eye steaks? That would make it real easy (and safer) for you.

Be careful and do your due diligence doing local research.

Folks treat their mining claims same as their private property on the west coast when it comes to even casual prospecting by folks on vacation/camping/traveling prospectors, ect.

No requirement for “no mining” signs. Responsibility falls on the shoulder of the prospector to research.

Nothing worse than to come back seeing the bedrock all busted up on your claim. It’s a scarce commodity that takes decades to replenish. Then there is the wandering nugget shooters.

Good for you to reach out for advice.
 

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I did. Having said that, Yes, Samantha (Sam) at the Armadillo Mining Shop in Grants Pass, has forgotten more about the prospecting world them most all BLM or many gold seekers have learned.
 

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