Clear Deposits
Clear Creek, a gold bearing tributary of Grimes Creek, is fed by nearby Jackson and Wilson Peaks. These are the same source providers for the Grimes Creek and Elk Creek tributaries which are historically famous for their gold production. The creek about 5 miles downstream passes by historic Pioneerville and mountains of dredge pilings prior to flowing into Grimes Creek. This portion of Clear Creek is nestled amongst narrow forested valley walls which prevented old time miners from dredging in this area leaving the creek virtually untouched. Small pools are situated along the claim with gold bearing gravels present. A test hole was dug at this claim with bedrock varying between 3-6 feet deep. You may also notice that this claim also has an additional tributary that is east of Clear Creek, while it is a small tributary, through panning decent color was still found.
The claim is surrounded by forested mountains with good road access in a region rich in gold history. There are decent wide areas throughout the claim where one could get a decent camping area started. This claim is unique offering, with dredging access, along with considerable privacy for those who wish to get away from it all. Full services are available at Idaho City about 14 miles away.
- Acreage: 20 acre unpatented placer claim
- River footage: 650’ of Clear Creek (dredgeable) & 1,200’ gold bearing trib.
- Location: Boise County, Township 8N, Range 6E, Sec. 32 NE ¼ & Sec. 33 NW ¼
- Mining claim serial #: ID105803255
Map to Claim
Coordinates
Marker Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
NW 43°59’33.6480″N, -115°45’58.9320”W
NE 43°59’33.6480″N, -115°45’39.6360”W
SE 43°59’26.6280″N, -115°45’39.6360”W
SW 43°59’26.6280″N, -115°45’58.9320”W
Marker Latitude & Longitude
NW 43.99268°N, -115.76637°W
NE 43.99268°N, -115.76101°W
SE 43.99073°N, -115.76101°W
SW 43.99073°N, -115.76637°W
Maps
Images
Overview
Driving Directions: From I-84 in Boise, take exit 57 and head east on Gowen Road/HWY 21. Stay on HWY 21 for 40 miles to Idaho City. In Idaho City turn left on Montgomery Street, at about 0.4 of a mile you will turn left which is also Montgomery St, but also known as Centerville Road or NF-307. Continue on NF-307 for 7.4 miles (to New Centerville) and make a right onto NF-382 (aka Grimes Creek Road). Continue on NF-382 for 7.4 miles (to Pioneerville) and make a right onto NF-380. Continue on NF-380 for approximately 4.8 miles until you reach the mining claims. Signage has been posted along the road, showing where the mining claim boundaries are positioned.
From the west end of Boise it is faster to access this area by taking HWY 55 to Horseshoe Bend, then east over the Harris Creek Summit to New Centerville, then taking the NF-382 to Pioneerville, Pioneerville to the claims.