BOISE The Basin
The Boise Basin produced more gold than all of Alaska during its peak years. Centered around Idaho City, this 300-square-mile district is a labyrinth of gold-bearing creeks and high-altitude benches.
Total Yield
Over 3 million ounces of placer gold have been pulled from the Basin since 1862.
Idaho City
Once larger than Portland, Oregon, this town was the heart of the Basin rush.
Gold Grade
Fine to coarse gold. Many creeks still produce small nuggets for diligent snipers.
Tactical Intel
Bench Hunting
Much of the easy creek gold was taken by dredges in the early 1900s. Focus on thehigh benches—ancient river levels located 50-100ft above the current stream beds. These areas require a VLF detector and a lot of digging to reach bedrock.
Mores Creek
Mores Creek and its tributaries (Grimes, Elk, etc.) were the primary producers. After heavy rains, check the newly exposed gravel bars. Fine gold often concentrates in the roots of stream-side vegetation.
Legal Framework
The Boise Basin is heavily claimed by the GPAA and private individuals. Public panning areas exist at the Centerville Bridge. Always check for claim markers (PVC pipes or wooden posts) before digging.
Check Claims StatusBuild Your Gold Stack
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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
Basin Dredging Kit
Our recommended high-performance sluices for the fast waters of Idaho.