Spanish Creek is legendary for gold and open placer mining claims are always a good find. The auriferous Tertiary gravel deposits piled thick gravel deposits throughout its headwaters that were amazingly rich. Miners armed with long toms, rockers and hydraulic hoses extensively mined the massive deposits for their fortunes. It was a true bonanza. People that still prospect along Spanish Creek's reaches say that the old timers did not get it all and there is much to be mined.

The Cuervo Gold placer claim is located about seven miles northwest of Quincy and a half mile south of Keddie along Highway 70 (see maps). There is good parking all along the claim via a wide pull-out (see photos). Extended overnight camping is not advisable along the highway, but a few nights in a row is likely to be ok. A National Forest Service campground is located about 1.5 miles to the north.

We congratulate our cracker-jack research team in discovering this open stretch of ground along one of the most profitable gold mining drainages in Northern California. This was the last piece of open ground for the 2011 mining season from Quincy to the Highway 70/89 junction at the Middle Fork of the Feather River. All other ground has been either claimed or is private land.

The claim secures west-northwesterly stretch of Spanish Creek from near the Roundhouse Road bridge on the east to a prominent northerly bend of the river on the west. The southerly claim boundary crosses the creek at a prominent set of rapids where the stream takes a northerly jog. Hence, the eastern portion of the claim only secures the northern bank of the creek, but the western portion secures both the northern and southern banks. Although it looks narrow, it covers the most important attributes - the stream and its banks.

The bedrock is is highly fractured Shoe Fly Formation. Here, it mostly consists of shales with interbedded mudstones and sandstones. Bedrock is exposed at a number of places along the stream, however, the best exposure is at a northerly jog in the middle of the claim. Since the southern claim boundary extends through the outcrop, prospecting needs to be limited to the northerly half. Still, there are many cracks and fractures that are ideal for finding nuggets.

Following the jog, the stream meanders though a long chute, then quickly sweeps northward. Gravel bars and remnant terrace deposits line this stretch. The photos were taken at high flow and do not do the opportunities justice.

The gravel bar at the westerly end of the claim is a huge target. Although the claim only secures a portion of the bar, it contains enough material to be a substantial opportunity. Old-time prospectors have looked at that bar with sparkles in their eyes, thinking that it was already claimed. Now... if they only knew...

Although much of Spanish Creek between Quincy and the Highway 70/89 junction has been dredged, it is said that this stretch has not been mined. People say they have seen some 3"-4" dredges, but nothing larger. Moreover, a team in the mid to late 1970s pulled out several pounds of gold immediately east of the Roundhouse Road bridge. Clearly, the large gravel bar on the western part of the claim has not been mined. There are no tailing dumps or gravel piles indicating the efforts.

The gold is bright and plentiful! It is both rounded (Tertiary gravel source) and chunky (nearby bedrock source).

The Cuervo Gold placer claim is located in Plumas National Forest, which is a miner friendly Forest Service District. Our rangers are knowledgeable and helpful as long as you follow the rules. Advanced Geologic can assist you with all your permitting needs. Whether it is a backhoe and trommel, an excavator or even a dozer, Advanced Geologic can prepare and negotiate your permits so that you can do what you want to do. That's called the "Advanced Geologic touch". If you don't have the equipment that you need, Advanced geologic can suggest a number of local contractors that can assist you.

Miners and prospectors will have a life-time of opportunities before this claim is played out. Quincy is only 7 miles away and provides good amenities, such as restaurants and accommodations. Quincy also has a modest nightlife, a movie theater, a Safeway and an Ace Hardware, as well as a series of motels and B&Bs. Sorry, no Wal-Mart. Quincy is also the county seat for the county so you can easily file your paperwork on your way through to your claim.

This spot is one of a kind and you will want to add this claim to your portfolio. It is easily accessible, quiet and safe - beautiful alpine conditions.