Lost California Treasure

The New Blue Jay Mine

Discovered in 1886 in Morrison Gulch within the Coffee Creek Mining District of northeast Trinity County, the Blue Jay Mine was famous as a reliable pocket mine. In 1892, it produced over $60,000 worth of gold from a single pocket over the course of just a few days. The vein was noted for its extremely high-grade ore, and local miners boasted that they could extract gold whenever they needed quick funds.

Record typelost mine
LocationMorrison Gulch, Coffee Creek Mining District, Trinity County
Probability indexMedium
Land statusShasta-Trinity National Forest (Allowed; respect active claims)
Research coordinates41.0800, -122.7339
SourceThe San Francisco Call - August 12, 1897

Field Research Notes

Search the Morrison Gulch area near Coffee Creek. Look for contact zones between serpentine and granitic or metavolcanic rocks, which are classic geological indicators for gold pockets in this district. Ensure you check for active mining claims before any panning or detecting.

Recommended Gear

Rock Hammer, Magnifying Loupe, Gold Pan, BLM Claim Map App

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