Canada/Klondike/Bonanza Creek
Historic DiscoveryPublic Claim #6Free Panning

BONANZA CREEK

This is hallowed ground. In 1896, George Carmack pulled a nugget from this creek that sparked the greatest gold rush in history. Today, it is still an active mining district.

Bonanza Creek tailings
LOCATION: THE DREDGE TAILINGS (HISTORIC PILES)

Active Mining Zone

Do not be fooled by the "historic" look. Bonanza Creek is lined with **Active Commercial Placer Claims**. Heavy machinery operates here 24 hours a day in summer.

The ONLY Public Access is at specific designated sites: 1. **Discovery Claim** (Historic Site - No Panning) 2. **Claim No. 6** (Free Public Panning allowed) Trespassing on other claims is dangerous and strictly enforced.

Claim No. 6

Maintained by the Klondike Visitors Association. You can bring a pan and shovel and keep whatever you find. No sluices or motors.

Dredge No. 4

Visit the massive wooden hull of Dredge No. 4. It processed millions in gold but is now a National Historic Site.

Permafrost

The ground is frozen solid just a few feet down. This "muck" preserves mammoth bones (often found by miners) but makes digging extremely hard work.

Tactical Intel: The Tailings

At Claim No. 6, the creek has been worked over by hand, then by dredge. However, the **Old Timers missed plenty**. Look for the "virgin" white channel gravels often exposed at the base of the valley walls, away from the creek center.

Target: White Channel Gravel
Tech: Pan & Shovel

Klondike Gold To Go

Real Yukon nuggets command a premium price. If you don't make it North this summer, you can still own a piece of the rush.

Shop Natural Nuggets

The Digger's Code

  • Backfill all holes before you leave.
  • Pack out all your trash.
  • Respect fence lines and gates.

Legal Disclaimer

Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.

✓ Information last verified: January 2026