Mike Higbee's Prospectors Cache

Prospector Lazer Engraved Wood Plaque Made in the USA

BENTON COUNTY WASHINGTON

by Tom Ashworth

LOCATION

COUNTY:Benton County

STATE:Washington

All the Columbia River low water sand and gravel bars contain placer gold. On the north bank of the Columbia River in section 1, T5N, R28E and in section 6, T5N, R29E, The Berrian Island (Goody) Placer Mine, consisted of 4 separate operations, but was fairly productive.

Alderdale

East of Alderdale by 4 miles, in a deserted channel of the Columbia River, covering several miles, is the Artesian Coulee Placer in section 6, T4N, R24E. It was productive for a number of years.

Burbank

Northeast of Burbank, along the Snake River above its junction with the Columbia River, in the low water sand and gravel bars, placer gold can be found.

Patterson

On Blalock Island, in the Columbia River, is the location of the Blalock Island Placer Mine. It was 3 separate operations. Also the Gone Busted Placer is 2 operation, with dry wash plant, operated from 1938-1940 for placer gold.

Prosser

Go East of Prosser 3 miles, on the south side of highway, in SW 1/4 section 33, T9N R25E, is the location of the Prosser Mine, which produced lode gold.