SIXES BLACK SAND
The Sixes River flows into the Pacific at Cape Blanco. It is unique because it carries gold right down to the ocean. Historic miners worked the beaches here, and the black sand concentrations are insane.
State Park Rules
The mouth of the river is within **Cape Blanco State Park**. Rules here are strict: "Hands and Pans" only on the beach.
No Sluices on Beach: You generally cannot use sluice boxes in the surf or on the park beach. Move upstream to BLM / Forest Service lands (like the Edson Creek area) for equipment use.
Flood Deposits
Winter storms wash gold down from the mountains. The best time to prospect is after a king tide or heavy storm event has reshaped the beach.
The Weather
It is fast, wet, and windy. This is not majestic sunny prospecting. It is rugged. Dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Fine Gold King
The gold here is extremely fine (flour). You need a "Gold Cube" or fine matting to catch it. Riffles will lose it all.
Tactical Intel: Magnetic Separation
The black sand (magnetite/hematite) is so heavy here it will clog your pan instantly. **Bring a strong magnet.** Use it to carefully lift the magnetic black sand off your concentrates, leaving the gold behind. Do this dry if possible.
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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