Gold Panning and Prospecting near Kennewick, WA
10 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Kennewick report gold. The closest is Snake River, about 82 miles out (1 hr 42 min drive).
Recreational gold collecting means panning placer gravels where moving water has concentrated heavy flakes and the occasional nugget, or working the dumps of historic lode districts.
Every gold spot within 150 miles of Kennewick
Snake RiverGarfield County, Washington · 82 mi awayPublic access · Gold- Snake RiverAsotin County, Washington · 95 mi awayPublic access · Gold
- ClarkstonAsotin County, Washington · 98 mi awayPublic access · Gold
Best spotLibertyKittitas County, Washington · 102 mi awayPublic access · Gold- LewistonNez Perce County, Idaho · 106 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Aquamarine, Garnet +2
Orofino Mine areaGrant County, Oregon · 106 mi awayPermission required · Agate, Jasper, Gold- American RiverYakima County, Washington · 110 mi awayPublic access · Gold
- Columbia RiverChelan County, Washington · 120 mi awayPublic access · Gold
- Nespelem to Coulee DamDouglas County, Washington · 127 mi awayPermission required · Gold
- White BirdIdaho County, Idaho · 139 mi awayPublic access · Gold
Gold near Kennewick FAQ
Where can I find gold near Kennewick?+
10 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Kennewick report gold. The closest is Snake River in Garfield County, roughly 82 miles away (1 hr 42 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect gold on public land near Kennewick?+
8 of the 10 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Do I need a permit to pan for gold?+
Hand panning is generally allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land that is not under an active mining claim, with no permit needed for pans and hand tools. Sluices and dredges fall under state rules and often do need permits. Check claim maps before working a creek: panning someone's claim is theft.
How far from Kennewick do I need to drive?+
The nearest gold spot is about 82 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 139 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Kennewick
Gold Panning and Prospecting near other cities
Hunt gold around Kennewick with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
