Where to Find Silver in Washington: 144 Mapped Sites
Washington has 144 documented sites where silver have been reported, and the best-known are Sunrise Prospect, Billygoat, and Little Noisy Mine. 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 144 sites is on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Silver Map: Washington
All 144 silver sites in Washington. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Silver Are Found in Washington
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 Washington: Sunrise Prospect, Billygoat, Little Noisy Mine, Magma, Sampson.
Of the 144 sites, 1 is public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Silver Sites in Washington
- Sunrise Prospect — Forest Service
- Billygoat — Forest Service
- Little Noisy Mine — Forest Service
- Magma — Forest Service
- Sampson — Forest Service
- Silver Horseshoe — Forest Service
- Black Jack Prospect — Forest Service
- Chinook — Forest Service
- Comstock — BLM/Public Lands
- Frick Tungsten — Forest Service
- Gold Mountain — Forest Service
- Gubser Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Jennie — Forest Service
- Margaret — Forest Service
- Nesta Prospect — Forest Service
- Pomeroy — Forest Service
- Talisman — Forest Service
- Akishin Claim — Forest Service
- Apex — Forest Service
- Aztec Claim — BLM/Public Lands
- Blewett Camp — Forest Service
- Brooks — BLM/Public Lands
- Brooks — BLM/Public Lands
- Cascade — Forest Service
- Comstock — Forest Service
- Eureka — Forest Service
- Eureka — Forest Service
- Florence Rae — Forest Service
- Gold Bar — BLM/Public Lands
- Hanks — Forest Service
- Hidden Treasure — Forest Service
- Holden Mine — Forest Service
- Hoodoo Prospect — Forest Service
- Index Gold — Forest Service
- Jennie — Forest Service
- Kaaba-Texas — BLM/Public Lands
- Lancaster — BLM/Public Lands
- La Sota Mine — Forest Service
- Lead Horse Claim — Forest Service
- Little Chief Prospect — Forest Service
- Locality 14 — Forest Service
- Mackinaw — Forest Service
- Middleport — Forest Service
- Milwaukee Prospect — Forest Service
- Mineral Mines — Forest Service
- Monterey — BLM/Public Lands
- Mount Phelps — Forest Service
- Myrtle C. — Forest Service
- New Hope — Forest Service
- North Pole — Forest Service
Showing 50 of 144 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 Washington?
Washington has 144 mapped sites where silver have been reported. The best-known are Sunrise Prospect, Billygoat, and Little Noisy Mine. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many silver sites are mapped in Washington?
We have 144 documented silver sites in Washington, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect silver in Washington?
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.
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.