crystal gold mine

buzzl973

Interesting walk through old mine shafts, but the tour guide treated me like I was a grade school student when I returned to the office to exchange the flash light they gave me after it ran out of juice shortly after the tour started. The tour guide gave me countless warnings about not leaving the group when I returned and spoke to me as if I was a child...btw...I'm a middle aged man....which was totally uncalled far. A simple "don't leave the group" would suffice, but he went on and on in a grumpy demeaner that instantaly let everyone know that he really doesn't like guests in the mine shaft...he just likes your money. The tour continued with continuous warnings not to touch or remove anything from the mine and more belittling comments like he was guiding 3rd graders. He should retire and get someone with people skills. After you're finished with the tour there are some buckets in the parking lot that you can pan for gold for, but there's nothing in there except fool's gold and some added stones for kids to collect in a bag. The kids will like sifting through the sand to find a rock they like.

jbrums

My wife and I were with a group of people that toured the mine. Actually we started with some panning for gold, which was fun but took some getting used to the correct method. I thought I was doing really well but apparently it was all fool's gold (of course!). Then we got to go in the mine. I had never been in a mine before and it was really interesting to see the conditions and learn about the history. Our guide was very informative. In fact, at times I think he knew too much or us too little. Unfortunately the group was about a dozen people and it was just too large to really get to ask questions. People in the back had a hard time hearing as well. I would say a group of about four to six would be the perfect size.

860rs

While touring Idaho, we were interested in visiting local attractions. We stumbled onto the Crystal Gold Mine. What a wonderful historical and interesting attraction. The history alone that unravels as you tour the mine is worth the price of admission. We were fortunate to be there late in the day, and ended up being the only couple on the tour. We got special treatment, and even were able to pose for some interesting pictures in the mine. You get to see actual gold in the vein of quartz. This tour is well worth the time.

firewalkerranch

This really was worth stopping for. The tour guide was very informative and had a lot of information to share. Lots to see inside the mine and we even got to try our hand at gold panning. Definitely a recommended stop when you are in the area.

Bagan

It was a slow day so we got a private tour from Ryan, very passionate and knowledgeable about this mine that predated the big gold finds but was closed up and rediscovered only in the 1990s. So we got to see how early prospectors using crude tools would mine for gold. Why was a claim never filed on this very rich vein? Why was the mine sealed and the owner never came back? Like I say, a mine and a mystery. Wonderful, unique experience.

580jerry

Our family visited the gold mine in August and had an amazing time. Don was an excellent tour guide, and a fantastic story teller. Our kids were rivetted by the place and the story. We got to pan for gold at the end, which was thrilling. We even fforgot our camera there and Sherry made arrangements to return it to us. Good people who run a really amazing operation. Be sure to make the trip to visit them.

howardm646

We went here last year and it was great but the secound time is the charm my grand kids want to go back again next year.

laurahP7321XR

We had been to this mine before, but when we went in Sept. 2013 it was under new management. It is even better than before! The guide was great at explaining mining and showing us around. It is quite beautiful down in the mine as well. When you're done (or before) there is even a little area for "gold panning"... not authentic by any means, but good fun for all ages! :)

ChristopherB960

We stopped here on the way from the Spokane airport to Glacier National Park, and we were so glad that we did. Our guide (I understood him to also be the owner of the mine and property) was exceptional - very friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. The tour was really interesting, with stories about the mine, local history, and mining in the late 19th century. The mine shaft is authentic but entirely comfortable for tours, with lots to see including numerous different rock formations and equipment found when the old mine was rediscovered. The tour took a little less than an hour and then we got a demonstration of panning and the opportunity to try it. Definitely worth the time and a great insight into the local history for visitors.

SteveO82

We stopped in while driving through Idaho. The whole adventure takes about 45 minutes in the mine and as long as you want out in the parking lot panning. We did pan out some gold dust, but without a snuffer bottle we couldn't figure out a way to keep it. The rocks that we did pan out were awesome, blues, pinks, purples, greens, and even a small geode. The owners enjoy talking to visitors and they seem to love what they do. I would suggest camping there if you have a RV as the area is beautiful, but some noise from the interstate.

Familyof4_2Boys2014

After seeing the Sierra Mine we thought this would be a fun next stop and we were not disappointed. Was not sure what to expect but the lady that met us out front was bright, cheery and welcoming. Pappy was out guide and was knowledgable and engaging for both us and our boys. Panning for gold after the tour was a huge highlight for both boys to the point the 9 year old had to buy a kit to take home. The $45.00 for the family was a little pricey for the length but in line with the Sierra Mine. Well worth the stop.

EBSeattle

It was worth the stop. Our tour guide was excellent (I think he said his wife runs the shop). He was VERY knowledgeable and friendly. The tour is interesting, especially if you have no clue about mining gold. :-) At the end they teach you the technique how to dig your own gold in a river.

Skurj

What an incredible tour, full of history, mystery, science, geology and giant fish! This was my favorite stop on northern idaho. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable, the mystery and romance of the mine are undeniable and the experience is one of a kind. Don't miss it!

Sambootsboops

Fun little tour to take. Go early in the day so you don't have too many people on the tour. The owners are very nice and extremely knowledgeable about the mines and mining industry. At the end of your tour, they show you how to pan for gold in tubs. The have other precious stones so if you don't find gold, you'll at least walk away with some pretty neat rocks (including amethyst and garnets).

OregonStrider

This is a review of the Crystal Gold Mine and RV Park, specifically the RV park as that was our experience while passing through in May 2014. This was a great place to pull our RV in to spend the night. As they don't have any restrooms or showers, I don't believe I'd spend more than a night or two here, however, the owners are extremely friendly and helpful. Great people and a really nice, quiet and comfortable RV campground. No TV antenna signal or cable available nor was there any WiFi available. No picnic table, but there was a fire-ring available and lots of free wood. Plenty of room between the spots and gold panning available if you'd like to try your luck! I'd stay here again while passing though the area.