K-11 SCHUTTS GULCH CLAIMS

Pictures of Mining Activities at Schutts Gulch

LOCATION

RIVER:Klamath River

COUNTY:Siskiyou County

STATE:California

The down river boundary is located about 3 miles up river from where Hwy. 96 crosses Seiad Creek. It is located directly at the confluence of Schutts Gulch - which enters from the far side of the river. A boundary sign is posted on a tree. The upriver boundary is located about 1.5 miles upriver, adjoining private property where you will see the first home between Hwy. 96 and the river. The up river boundary is also posted on a tree alongside the highway. There is a small camping area toward the upper end of the claim on the highway side. The far side of the river, with a large campground, can be accessed from Ladd Road in Seiad Valley, just down river from the bridge where Hwy. 96 crosses the river. However, this road takes about 30 minutes or longer to traverse in order to access the far side of this claim. Access to the river is somewhat difficult. I had to use winches to winch my dredge up and down the bank next to the road, but it not horrible access. A friend of mine had his new 4" dredge stolen from the road side of the claim. I think this was because of the easy access to the highway, but I left my 5" and 6" dredge on the claim all season with no problems, except someone stole my pry bar. Anyway, good idea to watch your equipment.

PROSPECTS

This claim, also, has been a substantial producer of gold for our members, from top to bottom. River gravel are generally shallow to bedrock or false bedrock (actually most of the gold seems to be on a gray or greenish gray clay layer). Nuggets and jewelry gold have been reported. Reports of good high banking have come from the far side of the river. Most of the claim has yet to be tested. I dredged next to the road on the 1997 season with a 6" dredge and found some nice gold on top of the greenish gray clay layer. There are many of the river eels (Lamprey's on this claim) that can be nasty if you are bitten. The largest piece of gold I found was a .9 Dwt. nugget with quartz on this claim.