A row of people panning side by side at the shop’s covered flumes

Gold Prospecting

Pan for real gold in the Swift River, or try it right at the shop. New to it or seasoned, we’ll set you up.

New to prospecting?

We’ll show you how to pan, explain the rules, and supply everything you need.

Seasoned prospector?

Our hefty selection of prospecting equipment has hand tools, pans, sluices, gold wheels, vials and more.

Learn to pan for gold

  • We offer a free demonstration teaching the process of gold panning.
  • We explain the rules and laws, and can point you to spots that are open to pan.
  • Please let us know ahead of time if your group will be larger than eight.
A bearded prospector in a hat holding up a small gold nugget

Equipment for rent

Panning set-up $5 Plus a $15 refundable deposit
Sluice box $20 Plus a $150 refundable deposit

Deposits are refunded when the rented equipment is returned to the store.

Paydirt, guaranteed gold

Paydirt is a container of river gravel with real gold added. It’s great for practicing, and the gold is guaranteed, so your kids (or you) go home with real pieces every time.

It’s a great option if you’d rather not hunt for a spot on the river. We set you up with a tub of water and a gold pan, and you can pan right at the store with our help.

12 oz. container
$20
1 gallon bucket
$105

Prices vary up and down from these with the current gold market.

Several gold nuggets resting in an open palm

Plan your visit

We’re open seasonally at Coos Canyon in Byron, Maine. Come pan, screen and browse.