Clear Dredge
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 from the old dredge work done on the lower portion of Clear 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. Test holes dug all throughout Clear Creek, found bedrock varying roughly between 3-6 feet deep. The gold in the photograph was taken directly from the site from the current owner (seller), who, due to his age is unable to work the site any longer.
The claim is surrounded by forested mountains with good road access in a region rich in gold history. A small open camp site is located on the south side of the claim, which is the picture of the flat open area. The picture with the camp trailer set up, the seller wanted us to show which is about ½ mile downstream, as there are several good places to camp on this drainage. This claim is a unique offering, with dredging season, good 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: 900’+ of Clear Creek
- Location: Boise County, Township 8N, Range 6E, Sec. 32, NW ¼
- Mining claim serial #: ID101595823 (aka IMC220578)
Map to Claim
Coordinates
Marker Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
NW 43°59’26.3040″N, -115°47’01.8240″W
NE 43°59’26.3040″N, -115°46’43.6080″W
SE 43°59’19.7520″N, -115°46’43.6080″W
SW 43°59’19.7520″N, -115°47’01.8240″W
Marker Latitude & Longitude
NW 43.99064’N, -115.78384’W
NE 43.99064’N, -115.77878’W
SE 43.98882’N, -115.77878’W
SW 43.98882’N, -115.78384’W
Maps
Images
Overview
Driving Directions: Driving Directions: Vehicle access to the claim is via a hard-pack dirt road which you can drive virtually up to the creek side. I’ve seen cars access the area as it is a maintained forest service road. The claim is located 19.4 miles outside the historic town of Idaho City. Driving directions to the claim: from Boise, travel north on HWY 21 to Idaho City. Drive through Idaho City on Main Street (North) and then turn left (West) onto Centreville Road (NF 307). Stay on Centreville Road (NF 307) for 7.4 miles. The road name changes to NF 307. Turn right (North-East) onto Grimes Pass Road (NF 382) and drive 7.2 miles to Pioneerville. Then turn right (East) onto NF 380 (Summit Flat Road) and drive 4.4 miles to the claim. This claim has been marked on the trees along the road (as shown in the pictures) showing where the claim starts & ends.
FYI, there is another way to access this claim through Grimes Pass or Pilots Peak, however neither one of these routes are recommended due to the poorly maintained roads and rougher conditions.