Our Montana Gold Maps show there are currently 14,946 active gold claims and 159,095 abandoned gold claims located throughout the state. Of those active claims, 12,643 are lode claims and 2,303 are placer claims. Of those abandoned claims, 141,123 are lode and 17,972 are placer. Montana’s roughly 14,946 active gold claims represent about 3.4% of all active gold claims in the lower 48 states.
-
- When you first open the Montana gold map you will see a satellite view of the state boundaries with yellow and orange clusters throughout. Those yellow (lode claims) and orange (placer claims) clusters represent groupings of active gold mining claims. This view of these clusters gives us an incredibly precise idea of where most of Montana’s gold is being found on a daily basis. It’s impossible to get this insight with a paper gold map.
-
- Now zoom in about 110 miles NW of Missoula to a little mountain town called Noxon. You can clearly see the active lode and active placer mining claim boundaries throughout the area. You are now surrounded by public land in the Kaniksu National Forest. That means you can find dozens of non-claimed gold prospecting locations for you, your family and friends. Our maps will save you at least $200 in gas alone by showing you exactly where to go.
-
- Zoom in further and you can click on the active placer or lode claims for the MTRS number to determine ownership and other information about the claim(s). This information is for professional miners with experience in the claiming process. Recreational gold panners should not try to contact claim holders and always stay away from claimed property. Please read more about the MTRS numbers on our Viewing Tips page.
-
- Still looking at the Noxon area, turn on the Google Earth™ overlay entitled Parks and Recreation found under the More overlay. Now you can see Kaniksu National Forest campgrounds, ranger stations, hiking trails, fire watchtowers and more. You can zoom in further still to get a close-up view of roads, creeks and other points of interest. Using Google Earth™ satellite imagery, altitude and distance tools will eliminate surprises like, “I didn’t know that hill was so steep.”
Montana Gold Maps Note: None of the Montana images above show just how close you can zoom in to see gold prospecting locations. You’ll be amazed at how crisp the satellite imagery is and how much exploring and planning you can do from the comfort of your home. And Google Earth™ is a free download.
