Ready to unearth Idaho’s hidden gems? Dive into our guide on the best places for metal detecting in the Gem State, where history and treasure intertwine beneath your feet. Are you prepared to discover Idaho’s buried secrets?
When I was going around looking for places in every state to metal detect, Idaho was one of my favorites on the list.
Due to its rich history in mining and gold excavation, I was mostly excited to visit the state and start metal detecting.
When I got the chance in 2017, I spent about three weeks metal detecting and was able to uncover some amazing items.
After returning home, I thought of compiling all the locations and making a list of the best locations in Idaho.
Some of the below places were suggested by the expert local metal detectorists in Idaho who met during my visits.
So here are the best places to metal detect in Idaho,
- Ann Morrison Park
- Hulls Gulch Reserve
- Cascade Lake
- Lake Lowell
- Payette Lake
- Caribou City Ghost Town
- Centerville Ghost Town
- Chesterfield Ghost Town
- Keuterville Ghost Town
- Leesburg Ghost Town
- Lake Coeur d’Alene
- Lake Pend Oreille
- Hell’s Gate State Park
- Priest Lake State Park
- Redfish Lake
- Henry’s Lake State Park
- Bear Lake
- Sandy Point Beach
So, in the rest of the article, I will be talking about the best places to metal detect in Idaho and how you can metal detect them.
Furthermore, I am planning to open your eyes to a wider range of problems that our fellow metal detectorists face when they are in the field, like legal issues.
I’m going to explain the laws and regulations that affect metal detecting in Idaho. And more so, how to avoid any legal issues while metal detecting.
So, let’s dig in!
Best Places In Idaho To Metal Detect
Now let’s see what are the best places to metal detect in Idaho. I have chosen this limited number of locations from the vast areas to metal detect Idaho, based on my experience of metal detecting them and the amount of quality time I got to spend in each of these locations.
But some of you might find these locations quite boring and some more locations interesting.
This disclaimer is to inform you if your favorite locations are not included in the list. If you have some more interesting locations rather than these, let us know in the comment section.
These are not arranged according to the best to worst.
These are arranged according to the distance from the Idaho International Airport to each of these locations. So feel free to start your journey at any point in the list.
1. Ann Morrison Park
Ann Morrison Park is situated near Boise in Ada County. This is the prominent city park in the area, and many people visit the site daily.
People often spend their time in this urban park sightseeing the lush green nature among the city limits in the area.
Apart from that, there is much wildlife, mainly migratory and other birds, to watch in the park, too.
There are opportunities for multiple sports in the park areas, too. Metal detecting is also allowed in the park.
A metal detecting permit is required to detect metal in the park. If you are interested in finding metals in the park, I suggest you look in the playground and the picnic areas of the park.
How To Get To Ann Morrison Park
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Then continue on I-15 N. Take I-84 W to W Idaho Street in Boise. Take exit 49B from I-184 W/US-20 W.
- Keep following W Idaho Street to S Americana Boulevard.
Things You Can Find In Ann Morrison Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
Read to know the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Idaho!
2. Hulls Gulch Reserve
Hulls Gulch Reserve is also based in the Boise area in Ada County. This is one of the more pristine nature reserves in the state, which is visited by ample visitors every year.
People often visit the nature reserve to enjoy the lovely scenic views of the environment. Apart from that, people could also enjoy the hiking and biking trails in the park.
In the research, you can access the ridge-to-river trails system, too.
Metal detecting is also allowed in reserve. It would be best to have a metal-detecting permit before engaging in metal-detecting activities.
If you are eager to metal detect in the nature reserve, I suggest you start from the hiking trails and then move to other parts.
How To Get To Hulls Gulch Reserve
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Then continue on I-15 N. Take I-84 W to W Idaho Street in Boise. Take exit 49B from I-184 W/US-20 W.
- Follow W Idaho Street and N 8th Street to 12th Street.
Things You Can Find In Hulls Gulch Reserve
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
3. Cascade Lake
Cascade Lake is situated in Valley County near the town of Cascade.
This is a man-made reservoir in the area that allows people to enjoy multiple water-based recreational activities.
People often visit the lake to spend some relaxing time on the shores. Apart from that you can boat, fish and swim in the lake too.
You can also access the Payette River from the reservoir.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are interested in metal detecting, look at the beach, where people mostly gather, and then move to other sites.
How To Get To Cascade Lake
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take I-84 W to W Idaho Street in Boise. Take exit 49B from I-184 W/US-20 W.
- Follow W Idaho Street and N 8th Street. to N 6th Street.
Things You Can Find In Cascade Lake
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
4. Lake Lowell
Lake Lowell is situated near Tampa in Canyon OCunty. This is also a reservoir that helps in agricultural irrigation for locals.
Most people visit the lake to enjoy free time with their families on the beach, soaking in the sun.
Also, you can do a bunch of stuff here, like fishing in the lake, swimming in the lake, watching different wildlife, especially birds and a bunch more stuff.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are metal detecting or planning to metal detect in the area, I suggest you start from the beach areas to increase your chances of finding something.
How To Get To Lake Lowell
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take I-84 W to W Idaho Street in Boise. Take exit 49B from I-184 W/US-20 W.
- Follow W Idaho Street and N 8th Street. to N 16th Street.
Things You Can Find In Lake Lowell
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
5. Payette Lake
Payette Lake is located in Valley County near McCall town. This is a natural lake in the area which has gained the attention of lots of tourists.
The lake and the shores of the lake are busy every time of the year.
People often visit to soak in the lovely picturesque setting of the environment and enjoy many water-based sports activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are interested in metal detecting in the lake, I suggest you search the people gathering places on the beach.
How To Get To Payette Lake
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take ID-55 N to ID-44 E in Eagle. Take ID-55 N to E Lake Street in McCall.
Things You Can Find In Payette Lake
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
6. Caribou City Ghost Town
Caribou Ghost Town is located near Soda Springs in Caribou County. This is one of the most famous ghost towns in the state.
This is situated in the Oregon trails. This was a former farming town which was abandoned in the early 1900s.
There are remains of the old farming communities in the buildings and stuff.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are interested in finding out stuff in this ghost town, start by searching in the old farmhouses and buildings and then move to other areas.
How To Get To Caribou City Ghost Town
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Get on US-30 W/Idaho Avenue in Montpelier
Things You Can Find In Caribou City Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Farming equipment parts
- Other relics
7. Centerville Ghost Town
Centerville Ghost Town is located near Idaho City in Boise County. Gold mining was one of the prominent industries in this ghost town.
But in the mid-1900s, after all, the mining had been exhausted and could not dig further, so the people of the town started looking for alternatives.
Then, with a lack of development of facilities and infrastructure, the town became ghosted in the 1900s.
Metal detecting is permitted in the town. If you are interested in meal detecting, I suggest you look in the old workshops, as well as abandoned mines.
How To Get To Centerville Ghost Town
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take ID-21 N to Grand Jean Road.
Things You Can Find In Centerville Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Mining equipment parts
- Some metals
- Other relics
8. Chesterfield Ghost Town
Chesterfield ghost town is located in Bannock County near to the Chesterfield town. This was a former Mormon town settlement that was abandoned somewhere around the 1920s.
There are various activities that you can participate in the town, which are mostly guided tours and historical exploration into the history of the town.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are interested in metal detecting, look in the people gathering areas and then move to the other areas.
How To Get To Chesterfield Ghost Town
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take ID-36 W to Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield.
Things You Can Find In Chesterfield Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
9. Keuterville Ghost Town
Keuterville Ghost Town is located near the Keuterville area in Idaho County. This is a ghost town that had a rich historical past and thrived as a township a few decades ago.
There are various monuments from the previous settlements, where you can have a nice insight into the town’s history.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area. If you are interested in metal detecting, look in the people gathering areas and then move into other places.
How To Get To Keuterville Ghost Town
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Get on US-95 N in Grangeville.
Things You Can Find In Keuterville Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
10. Leesburg Ghost Town
Leesburg ghost town is located in Lemhi County near the Salmon area. This was a former mining township that was ghosted back in the 1920s.
You will be able to see a part of the rich history of the township through the workshops and old mines. Due to a lack of development back in the day, the town was abandoned somewhere in the 1920s.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are interested in metal detecting on this site, start from the people gathering areas and then move on to the old mines.
How To Get To Leesburg Ghost Town
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Get on US-93 N in Salmon.
Things You Can Find In Leesburg Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Old mining equipment
- Other relics
11. Lake Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene is located in Kootenai County. This is a natural lake that offers loads of outdoor activities to visitors.
Most of the people visit the lake to witness the scenic beauty of the area surrounding the lake.
There are abundant lakeside parks and trails for people to do a bunch of outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the lake area. If you are interested in email detecting on this site, make sure you start your searching from the shallow water areas and then move to other places.
How To Get To Lake Coeur d’Alene
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take I-90 W to N 15th Street in Coeur d’Alene.
Things You Can Find In Lake Coeur d’Alene
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
12. Lake Pend Oreille
Lake Pend Oreille is located near Sandpoint in Bonner County. This is one of the favourite spots among the locals to visit in their free time.
This also happens to be the Idaho’s deepest and largest natural lake.
There are ample opportunities for people to engage in different outdoor activities.
Boating, fishing, scenic views, and swimming are on top of the list of activities people prefer to do in and around the lake.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you are interested in finding some items, start your search from the beach in people-gathering areas.
How To Get To Lake Pend Oreille
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take US-2 W and ID-200 W to US-95 N in Sandpoint.
Things You Can Find In Lake Pend Oreille
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
13. Hell’s Gate State Park
Hells’ Gate State Park is located near Lewiston in Nez Perce OCunty. This was declared as a state park in 1973.
This is a riverside park with boating and other outdoor sports facilities. People often visit the state park to engage in different trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The state park is also allowing metal detecting practices within its territories. If you are interested in metal detecting in this state park, I suggest you start from the hiking trails.
How To Get To Hell’s Gate State Park
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take US-95 N to Lindsay Creek Road in Lewiston.
Things You Can Find In Hell’s Gate State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
14. Priest Lake State Park
Priest Lake State Park is located near Coolin in Bonner County. This was declared as a state park in 1973.
The main point of action in the state park is the Preist Lake, which is in the middle of the state park. Due to the scenic views and the nice sandy shores, most people visit the site.
Apart from that, you can also engage in a bunch more activities like fishing, boating, and hiking.
Metal detecting is allowed in the state park, too. If you are interested in metal detecting in the state park, I suggest you look at the beach and on the hiking trails.
Based on my experience, Priest Lake State Park is one of the best state parks in Idaho to metal detect.
How To Get To Priest Lake State Park
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take US-2 W and ID-57 N to Indian Creek Road in Coolin.
Things You Can Find In Priest Lake State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
15. Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake is located in Custer County in the Stanely town. This is also a natural lake situated in Idaho, which is often visited by the locals as well as foreigners.
This lake offers visitors a spectacular view of an alpine lake with stunning mountains in the background.
As the sawtooth mountains are in the background, that helps to add a more picturesque view to the lakeside.
You can enjoy different activities on the lakeside, such as boating, fishing, sunbathing, and even hiking in the nearby mountains. Metal detecting is also allowed in the area if you are interested in searching starting from the beachside.
How To Get To Redfish Lake
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Get on US-93 N in Challis.
Things You Can Find In Redfish Lake
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
16. Henry’s Lake State Park
Henry’s Lake State Park is situated near the Island Park region in Fremont County. This was declared as a state park in 1929.
This is situated in the high mountain area, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area.
The lake, which is also situated on the mountainside, allows visitors to engage in different water-based activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and a bunch more.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park territories. If you are interested in metal detecting, make sure that you check in the beach areas and then in the hiking trails in the mountains.
How To Get To Henry’s Lake State Park
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take US-20 W to Shotgun Road in Island Park.
Things You Can Find In Henry’s Lake State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
17. Bear Lake
Bear Lake is situated in Bear Lake County near the Garden City region. This is known as the Caribbean of the Rookies among the locals due to its crystal clear water.
You can engage in different activities in the lake as well as in surrounding areas.
Swimming, fishing, and boating are at the top of the list that people always tend to do in the area. Apart from that, there are hot springs and a scenic way nearby that people can visit too.
Metal detecting is allowed in the lake and its surrounding areas. If you are interested in metal detecting, make sure to look at the beach areas and the scenic pathways that people tend to use more often.
How To Get To Bear Lake
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Get on US-30 W in Soda Springs.
Things You Can Find In Bear Lake
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
18. Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Beach is located in Kootenai County near the Hope region. This is one of the most famous public beaches in the state of Idaho.
This is situated on the Lake Pend Oreille shores. People often visit this place to enjoy some free time with their families and friends and relax.
You can also engage in swimming, fishing in the lake as well as boat riding in the lake.
Metal detecting is also allowed on the shores of the lake.
If you are interested in metal detecting in this area, look in the people gathering areas like the towel line and shades area.
How To Get To Sandy Point Beach
- Head northwest on N Skyline Drive toward Grandview Drive.
- Continue on I-15 N. Take US-95 N to E Hope Avenue in Hope.
Things You Can Find In Sandy Point Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items by previous visitors
- Other relics
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Idaho
That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Idaho with their historic value and how to get there seeking treasures.
Now let me tell you several tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Idaho which helped me to collect cool treasures.
Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some of the expert Idahoans.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Idaho
- Check weather conditions and dress appropriately.
- Bring necessary gear, including a reliable metal detector and digging tools.
- Stay hydrated and carry snacks for energy.
- Respect the environment and historical integrity of the sites.
- Plan your visit considering the accessibility and size of the location.
Metal Detecting Laws In Idaho
Metal detecting is considered a hobby in Idaho, too. There are some rules regulating the use of metal detectors in federal and state-owned lands in Idaho.
Here is a breakdown of those rules and regulations.
The Archeological Resources Prevention Act is also enforced in Idaho other than the National Historic Preservation Act.
These acts are so that no one can harm or damage the historical sites in Idaho.
So, if you are interested in metal detection in state-owned lands that come under the above laws, you need to have a metal detecting permit.
This permit is given by the archaeological department of Idaho or the state government.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect In Idaho State Parks?
Yes. It is legal to metal detect in Idaho state parks.
When metal detecting in state parks, always ask the park rangers if metal detecting is allowed before entering the park. Make sure you have a permit before entering the park.
Before entering, either the park officials or the permission slip will explain the limitations of metal detecting in state parks.
You can get permission to metal detect in Idaho state parks from the US Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, city, county, or individual.
These can be varied from state park to state park, so make sure that you pay close attention to the details.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect In Idaho Ghost Towns?
Yes. It is legal to metal detect in Idaho ghost towns.
If you are planning to metal detect in ghost towns, make sure that you have a valid permit from the owner or the government authorities.
When metal detecting in ghost towns, make sure not to damage any delicate establishments on the site.
In 1863, Dr. Lovejoy arrived in St. Joseph from Bannock City, Idaho, with 300 pounds of gold, valued at around $82,000 then, equivalent to approximately $8,712,000 today. This significant find highlights the rich history of gold discovery in the Boise Basin area during Idaho’s gold rush era.
www.ktvb.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What are the legal requirements for metal detecting in Idaho?
In Idaho, you need permits for metal detecting in state parks, and it’s important to follow ARPA and NHPA regulations to avoid damaging historically significant sites.
Can I keep treasures found on private land in Idaho?
In Idaho, any treasure found on private land belongs to the landowner, so a written agreement with the owner is necessary to claim any finds.
Are there specific metal detectors recommended for Idaho’s terrain?
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is recommended for Idaho’s soil, which is suitable for detecting with low mineralization and hard ground conditions.
What types of relics or items can I expect to find in Idaho?
You can expect to find old coins, weapons, accessories, and relics from logging and railroad construction sites, as well as gold and silver near mining areas.
Are there metal detecting clubs in Idaho?
Yes, there are several metal detecting clubs in Idaho, particularly in Boise, with some focused on gold prospecting.
Is it possible to metal detect in Idaho’s lakes and rivers?
While not the primary focus, Idaho’s lakes and rivers near mining areas can yield valuable finds, with Boise River being particularly popular.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Idaho
In this article, I deeply explored the best places to metal detect in Idaho with all the metal detecting techniques you need to follow with the treasures that are likely to be found.
The best places to metal detect in Idaho include Ann Morrison Park, Hulls Gulch Reserve, Cascade Lake, Lake Lowell, Payette Lake, several ghost towns like Caribou City and Centerville, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, Hell’s Gate State Park, Priest Lake State Park, Redfish Lake, Henry’s Lake State Park, Bear Lake, and Sandy Point Beach. Each location offers unique opportunities for discovering a variety of relics and treasures.
Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions.
Hope you learned all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Idaho including experts’ tips.
Have a nice metal-detecting session in beautiful Idaho!
