I was reading this morning about the resurgent popularity of gold prospecting in California. Given the current state of the economy, it’s not surprising. The article I read mentioned that during the California Gold Rush of 1849, it is estimated that only 20% of the available gold was ever mined. That means there’s 80% left. That’s a whole lotta gold!

Now, speaking from personal experience, there is plenty of gold in the rivers of California to make a pretty decent living if you’re willing to put in the work. I have panned rivers between Modesto and Sacramento and amazingly, I found gold each trip. I didn’t hit the mother lode, but it was fun. I really wish I lived in the area, because panning for gold would be my weekend activity. Spending time in the fresh air, by the river, making money, what could be better?

Panning and mining for gold does take a small investment for the proper equipment, but to get started, all you really need is a basic gold panning kit which consists of a gold pan, a snuffer bottle, and a glass vial to store the gold you find. You can usually pick up one of these kits for $15 to $25. If you’re looking for more information about panning for gold, there are plenty of books about gold prospecting to help you get started.

Now, I know some of you are probably thinking, “Well, that’s all well and good if you LIVE in California, but I can’t afford to take a trip out there just to pan for gold. And even if I could, I don’t think I could find enough gold to pay for the trip AND make a profit.” Who said you need to go to California to pan for gold? You can actually order gold panning concentrates online and pan for gold in the comfort of your own home! Each of these 1.5 pound bags of gold panning concentrates is guaranteed to have gold in it.

There’s gold in them thar hills! Go get it.