Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in Washington’s landscapes? Join us on a journey to discover the state’s best metal-detecting spots!
In the 1870s, Washington state experienced a gold rush that led to the establishment of hundreds of mining communities.
Washington State, with its 157 miles of coastline, offers abundant opportunities for beach exploration.
Through my exploration of its pristine landscapes, I have uncovered a vast history hidden beneath the ground.
From ancient coins and jewelry to historical artifacts, each discovery illuminates a different aspect of Washington’s rich history.
In 2015, I had the opportunity to visit Washington for several metal detecting sessions, joining expert local metal detectorists.
I explored state parks, beaches, ghost towns, and many other unique locations, finding cool treasures and identifying areas ideal for metal detecting based on governmental regulations and my discoveries.
Drawing on my experience and advice from expert Washingtonians, let me share with you the best locations for treasure hunting.
So, here are the Best Places to Metal Detect in Washington
- Rockport State Park
- Lake Sylvia State Park
- Alta Lake State Park
- Paradise Point State Park
- Pacific Beach
- Alki Beach
- Ocean Shores Beach
- Seabrook Beach
- Walla Walla County
- Clark County
But there’s a lot more to know about those places.
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best places to metal detect in Washington and what are the treasures that are likely to be found in each location.
Plus, I’ll discuss the metal detecting rules and regulations you need to follow to avoid any legal issues as well based on the latest information.
So, let’s jump in!
Best Places in Washington to Metal Detect
You will undoubtedly be prepared to discover everything there is to know about metal detecting in Washington State if you are eager to go metal detecting and you reside in Washington.
The state’s beaches, rivers, ghost towns, and state parks enhance the fun of metal detecting.
You might find gold nuggets, diamonds, coins, or artifacts from the American Civil War in your hunt.
So come along with me on this adventure as I discuss metal detecting in Washington.
1. Rockport State Park
Rockport State Park is a scenic spot. About 670 acres in size, the park is renowned for its old-growth forest and scenic splendor.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Rockport State Park. Many routes travel through the lush forest and along the Skagit River, making hiking a popular pastime.
Two well-liked paths for discovering the park’s natural splendor are the Hemlock Trail and the Evergreen Trail.
The 250-foot-tall Rockport Giants, or Douglas fir trees, will also astound you. Spend the entire day admiring the splendor that Rockport State Park has to offer.
Within the park, a 14.86-acre area is open for metal detecting. When going into the park to go metal detecting, you must have permission, and that authorization will specify what you can do.
Based on my experience, Rockport State Park is one of the best state parks in Washington to metal detect.
You can find items from the area, such as huts, camping pegs, scams, jewelry, tin cans, and aluminum foil.
Location
Rockport State Park is a state park in the state of Washington. Situated roughly 75 miles northeast of Seattle, it is in Skagit County.
How to Get Into Rockport State Park
Washington State, in the United States, is home to Rockport State Park. Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is most likely the closest major airport to Rockport State Park.
Rockport State Park is located around 60 miles (97 kilometers) west of Bellingham International Airport. State highways and local roads can be used to get to Rockport State Park from the airport.
Things You Can Find in Rockport State Park
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Buried Treasure
- Civil War Relics
2. Lake Sylvia State Park
Nestled above the historic village of Montesano, Washington, sits Lake Sylvia State Park, which was formerly a logging camp.
Enjoy this 252-acre park for hiking, fishing, and camping. For extra hiking opportunities, this park connects to the 5,000-acre Montesano City Forest.
In the park, there are also specific places for swimming, mountain biking, and metal detecting.
When the logging camp was operational, the old dam that provided hydroelectric power might be of interest to you to see while you’re visiting the park.
Visitors with metal detectors may explore the dunes and surrounding areas in search of coins, hidden treasures, and ancient relics.
Visitors can learn more about local history and folklore while participating in metal detecting in the park, which is an engaging and potentially profitable hobby.
Location
USA’s Washington State is home to Lake Sylvia State Park. It is located in Grays Harbor County on the west coast of the state.
How to Get Into Lake Sylvia State Park
Washington State is home to Lake Sylvia State Park, and depending on where you start you would need to use an alternate airport to get there.
About 85 miles northeast of Lake Sylvia State Park lies Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is probably the closest major airport.
Things You Can Find in Lake Sylvia State Park
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Buried Treasure
- Civil War Relics
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Washington!
3. Alta Lake State Park
A lovely location close to Washington is Alta Lake State Park. For those who enjoy the great outdoors and the natural world, it provides a tranquil environment with its lovely lake and surroundings.
As the name implies, Alta Lake is the primary attraction of Alta Lake State Park.
Metal detecting is permitted at Alta Lake State Park, subject to specific limitations and rules.
To preserve the natural environment and historical relics, metal detecting is a fun and fascinating activity, but it’s necessary to follow park rules and regulations.
Treasure seekers are permitted to scour particular sections of the park for lost or abandoned relics that could offer insight into the region’s past. This is an opportunity to interact with history while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the park.
Location
USA’s Washington State is home to Alta Lake State Park. It is located close to the town of Pateros in the state’s north-central region.
How to Get Into Alta Lake State Park
The closest major airport will vary depending on where you start and where Alta Lake State Park is located in Washington State.
About 180 miles to the southwest, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is most likely the closest international airport to Alta Lake State Park.
Alta Lake State Park may be reached from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by via I-90 East and US-97 North, respectively.
Things You Can Find in Alta Lake State Park
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Buried Treasure
- Civil War Relics
4. Paradise Point State Park
In Washington, there is a lovely recreational area called Paradise Point State Park.
It’s important to keep in mind that park policies and guidelines can change depending on where you go metal detecting.
I advise getting in touch with the park officials or visiting their official website to inquire about any particular rules or limitations before beginning any metal-detecting operations at Paradise Point State Park.
Searching can be an exciting adventure. The park has history hidden beneath its surface, just waiting to be unearthed.
Ancient jewelry, coins, and other artifacts offer a glimpse into the region’s history.
It’s a fun opportunity to learn about the history of the area and enjoy the tranquility of the park’s natural surroundings.
Location
USA’s Washington State is home to Paradise Point State Park. It is located in the southwest region of the state, close to the Columbia River and the town of Ridgefield.
How to Get Into Paradise Point State Park
The closest major airport to Paradise Point State Park varies depending on where you are starting from.
The park is located in Washington State. Portland International Airport (PDX), which is situated in Portland, Oregon, about 17 miles to the south, is one of the closest airports to Paradise Point State Park.
You may travel I-5 North from Portland International Airport to Ridgefield, Washington, which is close to Paradise Point State Park.
Things You Can Find in Paradise Point State Park
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Buried Treasure
- Civil War Relics
5. Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach, Washington is a small coastal hamlet on the Pacific Ocean that is part of Grays Harbor County.
The amazing natural beauty of Pacific Beach may be seen in its rocky beach, crashing waves, and breathtaking sunsets across the ocean.
Enjoy a laid-back coastal experience at Pacific Beach with its stunning beach, natural beauty, and tranquility. Metal detecting in Pacific Beach could be an entertaining and educational hobby.
There are plenty of opportunities for you to uncover valuable items on the beach because there are so many activities taking on there.
Some ideal spots to check for objects are the towel line, areas with shallow water, and areas with shade.
Location
Pacific Beach is a tiny American coastal town in Washington State. It is located in Grays Harbor County near the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
How to Get Into Pacific Beach
One of the main airports serving the area, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is located about 130 miles northwest of Pacific Beach, Washington.
Pacific Beach can usually be reached from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by traveling via I-5 North to WA-8 West and then continuing toward the ocean.
Things You Can Find in Pacific Beach
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Fishing Equipment
- Civil War Relics
6. Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a well-known tourist destination in Washington. It offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains.
At the northernmost point of the shore lies the Alki Point Lighthouse.
Metal detecting can occasionally be more successful at low tide since more beach area is exposed.
Checking tidal charts and going during low tide may increase your chances of discovering interesting items.
According to the expert detectorists, Alki Beach is one of the best beaches in Washington to metal detect.
Location
Popular beach Alki Beach is situated near Seattle, Washington, in the United States. It is located in the Alki district in West Seattle.
How to Get Into Alki Beach
One of the main airports serving the area, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is about 15 miles from Alki Beach in Seattle, Washington.
You can take WA-509 North from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Alki Beach, and then turn onto Harbor Avenue Southwest to reach the beach.
Things You Can Find in Alki Beach
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Fishing Equipments
- Civil War Relics
7. Ocean Shores Beach
Washington is home to the charming seaside town of Ocean Shores. It is well known for its network of rivers and lakes as well as for having a beautiful sandy beach with small sand dunes.
Beyond the dunes and surrounded by pine trees lies Ocean City State Park, a protected sanctuary for migratory birds.
The sandy areas will be great for metal detecting, similar to most beaches. Many of the beaches in Washington State allow you to park your car on the beach so you can enjoy the sunset or just drive around and take in the view.
Location
Situated in Grays Harbor County, Washington, USA, is the hamlet of Ocean Shores, home to Ocean Shores Beach.
How to Get Into Ocean Shores Beach
The Washington state community of Ocean Shores is where you may find Ocean Shores Beach.
About 125 miles northeast of Ocean Shores is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the closest major airport.
Generally, you can take I-5 South to US-101 West, which will lead you to the coastal community of Ocean Shores, in order to get from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Ocean Shores Beach.
Things You Can Find in Ocean Shores Beach
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Fishing Equipment
- Civil War Relics
8. Seabrook Beach
About three hours’ drive from Seattle is Seabrook, a quiet beach hamlet and coastal village. The main beach offers astoundingly vast views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding dunes.
It’s fairly large and rarely busy, so you’ll like spending time here. It might be entertaining to search for metals in Seabrook Beach as well.
Location
Seabrook, New Hampshire, USA is home to Seabrook Beach. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean’s shoreline, near the New Hampshire coastline.
How to Get Into Seabrook Beach
One of the main airports serving the area, Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts, is roughly 50 miles northeast of Seabrook Beach in New Hampshire.
You can drive I-95 North into New Hampshire and then take Exit 1 for NH-107 East, which will take you to Seabrook Beach, from Logan International Airport.
Things You Can Find in Seabrook Beach
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Fishing Equipment
- Civil War Relics
9. Walla Walla County
Train robberies were a regular occurrence in Washington State during the 1800s. The town of Wallula in Walla Walla County saw several of these.
A group of robbers stole a quantity of gold bars during one such train heist.
The males initially intended to escape Washington State by taking a ferry to Portland, Oregon. But they had missed the boat due to issues that arose during the theft.
The robbers buried their stolen goods close to Walla Walla City out of fear. Legend has it that before the crooks could retrieve their treasure, they were all killed or taken into custody.
The location is accessible for metal detection with the consent of the local authorities.
Location
Situated in the southeast of the United States state of Washington lies Walla Walla County. It is located in the Walla Walla Valley, an area well-known for its wine and agricultural production.
How to Get Into Walla Walla County
Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) is the closest major airport to Walla Walla County, which is situated in southeast Washington.
Since Walla Walla Regional Airport is located in Walla Walla, getting to Walla Walla County from the airport already places you within the county.
Things You Can Find in Walla Walla County
- Buried Treasures
- Gold Nuggets
- Old Coins
- Civil War Relics
10. Clark County
There is a mythology that says there is a mine in the Cascade Mountains that holds tremendous riches. An elderly Spaniard is said to have found the mine in the late 1800s.
Massive amounts of gold were routinely deposited at the French & Company Bank by the enigmatic miner.
Several times, he returned to his mine while being pursued by envious prospectors. But he was always able to give them a shake.
After the Spaniard missed a few of his routine excursions to the bank, rumors of his death started to spread.
When a man’s corpse was discovered close to Spirit Lake, these tales were virtually verified.
Remarkably, around this same period, Yakama tribe members started traveling to Washington cities. Like the Spaniards, they paid for items with gold nuggets, according to eyewitnesses.
Most people believe that, if the Spaniard ever existed, he was killed by the Yakama who found his mine and took his gold.
The site of the mine is still unknown because the Yakama never disclosed its whereabouts to anyone.
The location is accessible for metal detection with the consent of the local authorities.
Location
Southwest of the state and close to the Oregon border is where you’ll find Clark County, Washington. It is a portion of the Portland metropolitan region, which is home to the county’s main city, Vancouver.
How to Get Into Clark County
There are multiple airports servicing Clark County, Washington; the biggest and easiest to get to in the area is Portland International Airport (PDX). Just over the border in Portland, Oregon, is where you’ll find PDX.
Depending on where you want to go in the county, you can usually travel either I-205 North or I-5 North from Portland International Airport to get to Clark County.
Things You Can Find in Clark County
- Buried Treasures
- Gold Nuggets
- Old Coins
- Civil War Relics
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Washington
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Washington with the historical importance of each place with the treasures you can find.
Now let me tell you some tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in various areas of Washington which helped me to find awesome treasures and avoid many troubles that commonly occur when treasure hunting.
Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some expert local metal detectorists in Washington based on their stories.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Washington
- Check for any required permits or registrations.
- Familiarize yourself with local metal detecting laws and guidelines.
- Plan your visit according to the tide schedules for beach locations.
- Wear appropriate clothing and gear for varying weather conditions.
- Bring necessary tools for digging and retrieving finds.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.
- Research the historical background of the area for better targeted searching.
- Stay informed about any seasonal restrictions or access limitations.
- Respect private property and secure permission where needed.
- Join local metal detecting clubs or online forums for community insights and tips.
Metal Detecting Laws in Washington
The regulations governing metal detecting in Washington differ depending on where you are.
Furthermore, it may be illegal to dig or otherwise disrupt the environment, and any lucrative discoveries must be reported to the appropriate authorities following the law.
Metal detecting in Washington requires observing local laws, respecting the environment, and securing any required permits or permissions.
Every state in the Union is subject to a single federal legislation, which safeguards archeological sites and artifacts that may be discovered while metal detecting but is not specifically related to metal detecting.
The Archeological Resources Protection Act, (ARPA) was passed in 1979. In essence, ARPA guarantees that no recognized archeological site on Native American or federal territory would be disturbed.
This law safeguards historical locations and artifacts over the whole of the continental United States.
Let’s look into specific places if Metal Detecting is allowed.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect on Washington Beaches?
Yes, it is allowed to use metal detectors on Washington beaches, but it is important to be informed of any applicable laws and rules.
As long as it is done appropriately, metal detecting is permitted on most state beaches.
It is advised to inquire about any rules or permits needed with the management of the particular beach or the local government.
It’s also essential to respect nature and refrain from disturbing fragile ecosystems or protected species. It’s important to report any cultural or historical objects you find to the relevant authorities so they can examine them further.
Always abide by local laws, pick up after yourself, and enjoy responsibly metal detecting on Washington beaches.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect on Washington State Parks?
Yes, it is allowed to use metal detectors in Washington State Parks, but it is important to be informed of any applicable laws and rules.
Based on the state park website, In Washington State, there are over thirty State Parks where metal-detecting is permitted.
Detectorists are required to register with the Washington State Parks division first and adhere to all applicable regulations.
Adhering to these guidelines while metal detecting in state parks is crucial for ensuring that the parks remain accessible to enthusiasts and that their facilities and resources are safeguarded.
For more details, please consult with park staff.
Metal detecting is only allowed in specific areas of approved state parks (refer to the park pages for detailed maps of these areas).
Parks that offer metal detecting will display maps and registration details on-site; if no information is available, metal detecting is not permitted in that park.
On their website or by calling the park you want to visit, you may get the registration form, the rules, and a list of the parks that allow metal detecting.
The website provides printable maps for each State Park so you can determine which locations are suitable for metal detecting and which ones are not.
Anything you discover in a Washington State Park that seems to have historical or archeological importance should be reported to park authorities right away and should be left where you discovered it.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect on Washington Ghost Towns?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed in Washington Ghost Towns, but before engaging in any metal detecting operations, it’s important to get permission from the landowner or the appropriate authorities because ghost towns frequently have historical significance and may be situated on private property.
Metal detecting may be forbidden in some ghost towns that are run as historical sites or owned by preservation groups to protect the area’s integrity.
In 1875, the SS Pacific sank off the coast of what is now Washington state, carrying gold worth $5 million in today’s value. This treasure remained lost until it was recently discovered by treasure hunters.
www.seattletimes.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Where can you find gold while metal detecting in Washington?
Gold can be found in several locations in Washington, including the Liberty gold district, Monte Cristo Mines, Kettle Falls Mining District, and the Cle Elum River.
What is the best metal detector for Washington terrain?
The Garrett AT Pro is recommended for its versatility in various soil types, including Washington’s diverse landscapes.
Are there any known buried treasures in Washington State?
Washington State is rich in legends of lost treasures, including the Wild Man of Wynoochee’s Buried Loot and Captain James Scarborough’s Buried Gold, offering exciting opportunities for treasure hunters.
Can you metal detect on BLM land in Washington?
Metal detecting is allowed on BLM land in Washington, but it’s crucial to avoid disturbing any historical artifacts and comply with ARPA regulations.
What should you do if you find an artifact while metal detecting in Washington?
If you find an artifact, especially one that appears historical or archaeological, it should be reported to the relevant authorities or park officials, as mandated by state and federal laws.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Washington
In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Washington with all teh metal detecting techniques you need to follow to get promising results.
The best places to metal detect in Washington include Rockport State Park, Lake Sylvia State Park, Alta Lake State Park, Paradise Point State Park, Pacific Beach, Alki Beach, Ocean Shores Beach, Seabrook Beach, Walla Walla County, and Clark County. These locations offer a variety of environments, from beaches to parks, each with unique potential finds.
Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you learned everything you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Washington including expert tips.
Now it’s time for you to do your homework and go to the nearest metal-detecting location in Washington to start your treasure-hunting journey!
