Lost California Treasure

The Deloma Cave Indian Cache

During the California Indian Wars of the 1850s, local tribes reportedly raided several rich mining camps along the Trinity and Klamath Rivers. To protect their loot from soldiers and miners, they stockpiled gold dust, nuggets, and trade goods in the hidden Deloma Cave system located near the remote New River canyon. The entrance of the cave is rumored to have been sealed with heavy rocks or hidden by thick forest growth.

Open in interactive map Open source record
Record typeburied cache
LocationNew River Wilderness, Trinity County
Probability indexLow
Land statusFederal Wilderness (Restricted)
Research coordinates40.9572, -123.3644
SourceTrinity County Historical Society Museum research contact (lead requires archival verification)

Field Research Notes

The New River canyon is a rugged, designated wilderness area. Motorized tools are prohibited. Exploring caves on federal land may require specific cave entry permits from the US Forest Service.

Recommended Gear

High-lumen Headlamp, Climbing Harness, Backup Flashlight, Wilderness GPS

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