The Great Outdoors – Alaska Gold, Knik Glacier

I grew up in the wilds of Alaska. Heck I was born in a small A-frame house in a little area called the 'Butte'. It's just outside of the city of Palmer, about 7 miles away. It's an amazing place. Farms all around me, lightly travelled roads. Then of course the 'Butte' across the street. If you climb it even just a few hundred yards, you can look out and see the Knik Glacier. This is our first area of discussion about Alaskan gold, and where to prospect for it in the great outdoors of Alaska. Quick Poll; Will Gold Ever Hit $2,000?
Yes/No http://goldpoll.tk 
Coming from Anchorage on the Old Glenn Highway, you must cross the Knik bridge, and turn right on to Sullivan. Be sure you are carrying with you all the necessary equipment. I'll give over this in a minute. After taking a right on Sullivan, continue for about one mile. Last time I checked there was no sign out to Jim Creek (which leads you to Knik Glacier). The road/trail is again on the right, adjacent to a large empty gravel spread. This is how you get to Knik Glacier.
Before packing for your adventure in the great outdoors be sure you have the essentials to get out to Knik Glacier in the first place. You'll need a highly capable small-fleet of ATVs. Four-wheelers are the most common way to go. Or you can even fly, either by renting a plane if you have the necessary licence, or hire a pilot/plane. The Jim Creek area is tricky for 4X4 vehicles. Many have been lost or destroyed due to the infamous clay that sucks everything into it - Especially large vehicles. This is why ATVs are preferable for what will be quite an adventure to the Knik Glacier, 11 miles to the very beginning of the Knik river. It is here where you will find your bedrock to discover gold. There are little gold nuggets out here. But be careful and obtain a BLM mining claims map of the area to be sure you don't trespass. Typically claim owners don't mind if you cross their claim, and actually if you locate them via the BLM records (Dept. Natural Resources) you can often obtain written permission to work the claim. The claimant will usually ask for a percentage - Anywhere from 20% - 50%. In the great outdoors of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, you will need ample amounts of mosquito repellent. Additionally wherever you find gold, there will usually be large bears in the neighborhood. Use your own common sense, I won't suggest anything. People have their own unique ways on dealing with a potential bear threat.
Gold panning, sluice boxes, and rocker boxes, are all good to use out here. And you can also bring a hammer and railroad spike. These are great for checking bedrock crevices. Metal detectors are useful if you are well-trained. Mostly because there is a lot of lead from the use of guns around Knik Glacier. The signal from lead and gold can be very confusing. You can spend thirty minutes digging in -near freezing- water. Only to discover the lead from a.308 round. But it's the adventure of the great outdoors that attracts us, right? The biggest threat to your safety out here is getting wet. Even in July the water is frigid cold, so take the proper equipment with you on your adventure. Good luck, and don't get stuck in the clay!
Quick Poll; Will Gold Ever Hit $2,000?
Yes/No http://goldpoll.tk

Filed under: Uncategorized

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!