GRANT COUNTY OREGON

In northeastern Oregon in the southwestern part of the Blue Mountains is the Grant County gold belt. This area was prospected after the big strikes in Baker county. There were some rich discoveries along Canyon Creek, Granite, Greenhorn, North Fork, Quartzburg and Susanville. There was 1/2 millon ounces of gold or more recoverd out of Grant County.

Bates

Northwest of Bates by 18 miles, down the middle fork of the John Day River, is the Susanville District. This district produced over 50,000 ounces of gold.

Along Elk Creek and North of the Middle Fork of the John Day River, there was some extensive placer operations which were the main source of the gold in the district. On the South side of Elk Creek, about 2 miles above its junction with the Middle fork of The John Day River, in township 20S range 33E section 7 on the S1/2, is the Badger Mine. The Badger Mine was the principal lode producer in the district. Other mines in the area includ the Chattanooga in Sections 5 and 6, The Daisy in Section 5, The Gem in Section 5, the Golden Gate (Poorman) in sections 7 and 8 east of the Badger Mine and North of Elk Creek.

Canyon City

The Canyon City district produced over 900,000 ounces of gold to date. Along the John Day and all its tributaries contain rich placer deposits. There were numerous area lode gold mines. The Golden West mine is located in T14S R31E Sec. 12. The Great Northern Mine is located in T14S R32E Sec. 7. The Great Northern Mine was a rich pocket mine that produced free gold. The Haight Mine, near the Great Northern, was also a good producer. The Miller Mountain Mine is located on the northeast slope of Miller Mountain and it was also a very rich producer. Near the Marysville School you will find the Prairie Diggings, this mine consisted of shallow surface cuts in a mineralized belt.

Granite

Along Granite Creek and its tributaries Bull Run and Clear Creek was some very rich placer ground. The John Day River is also rich in the area. Desolation Creek was a very good producer as well. Every creek and gulch in this area should be checked for placer gold.

Prairie City

Dixie Creek produced over 20,000 ounces of placer gold and all of the creeks around Prairie City contain placer gold to some extent.