K-23 - Wingate Metal Detecting Claim

K-23 WINGATE METAL DETECTING CLAIM - is located 6.8 miles downriver from Happy Camp. There is a big pull-off parking area on the river-side of Highway 96, directly across from Forest Service Road 15N32. Hike or drive 1/5 of a mile up this road to find the trailhead (very primitive) on the right side (just to the left of where the phone line stretches across the road). There is room for one or two vehicles to park directly across from the trailhead. Follow the trail uphill to locate a large old hydraulic mining area on several different levels. Watch out for poison oak along the trail. The trail requires substantial physical exertion.

PROSPECTS: Members have had great luck in finding gold nuggets all over the hydraulic area using modern metal detectors. Rumor has it that one member did well up there using a dry-washer, but this is unconfirmed. It is a very large area and it is reasonable to assume that it has not all been covered well with electronic detectors. Therefore, the prospects are good for finding more gold nuggets on this claim.

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