Lost California Treasure

Rattlesnake Dick's Trinity Mountain Loot

In 1856, the outlaw 'Rattlesnake Dick' Barter and his gang hijacked a mule train carrying gold bullion from the Yreka mines down to Sacramento. During their escape over the rugged slopes of Trinity Mountain, the gang was heavily pursued. To increase their speed, they buried $40,000 worth of gold bullion on the mountain. Although some gang members returned later to retrieve it, they were killed or captured before doing so. The bulk of the bullion is believed to still lie buried on the Trinity Mountain slopes.

Record typeburied cache
LocationTrinity Mountain, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Probability indexMedium
Land statusNational Forest (Allowed)
Research coordinates40.8521, -122.6845
SourceActive NorCal - Rattlesnake Dick's Lost Treasure in the Trinity Mountains

Field Research Notes

Check BLM mineral status maps. Metal detecting for mineral specimens is permitted on open forest land, but search for historical artifacts requires state/federal permits. Focus on old pack trail pathways on the eastern slopes.

Recommended Gear

Deep-seeking Metal Detector, Shovel, Topo Map App, Bear Spray

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