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Where to Find Silver in Alaska: 160 Mapped Sites

Alaska has 160 documented sites where silver have been reported, and the best-known are Glacier Basin, Groundhog Basin, and Kayak Island. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 1 of the 160 sites is on public-access land.

Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology

Silver Map: Alaska

All 160 silver sites in Alaska. Click a pin for the full site report.

Where Silver Are Found in Alaska

Silver rides hydrothermal veins, usually alongside galena and other sulfides, and enriches in the oxidized upper parts of old mining districts. Historic silver-district dumps are the practical hunting ground.

The richest reported sites in Alaska: Glacier Basin, Groundhog Basin, Kayak Island, Little Minook Creek, Mountain View Group-Gray Copper Vein.

Of the 160 sites, 1 is public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.

All Silver Sites in Alaska

Showing 50 of 160 sites — every site appears on the map above.

How to Identify Silver

Native silver rarely looks silver in the field — it tarnishes dark gray to black. The tells are its wire and branching (dendritic) growth habits, serious heft, and malleability: a knife point digs a bright metallic groove instead of flaking the surface. On mine dumps, dark heavy pieces that cut rather than crumble deserve a second look.

Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find silver in Alaska?

Alaska has 160 mapped sites where silver have been reported. The best-known are Glacier Basin, Groundhog Basin, and Kayak Island. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.

How many silver sites are mapped in Alaska?

We have 160 documented silver sites in Alaska, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.

Is it legal to collect silver in Alaska?

Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.

How do I identify silver?

Native silver rarely looks silver in the field — it tarnishes dark gray to black. The tells are its wire and branching (dendritic) growth habits, serious heft, and malleability: a knife point digs a bright metallic groove instead of flaking the surface. On mine dumps, dark heavy pieces that cut rather than crumble deserve a second look.

What should I bring to collect silver?

The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.

All rockhounding in Alaska →
The full Alaska map — every mineral, every site.
Gold prospecting in Alaska →
Panning creeks, placer ground, and historic districts.

More to Find in Alaska

Copper (219)Malachite (209)Fossils (140)Agates (12)Petrified Wood (5)Jade (3)Fluorite (3)

Data: USGS Mineral Resources Data System, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.