Gold Geology Of Subduction Zones, North Cascades, Washington State

Join Jason on an exhilarating adventure as he explores Ruth Creek in the stunning North Cascades of Washington State in search of gold! This video delves into the fascinating geology and the promise of gold hidden within this beautiful, rugged landscape.
Starting with gold panning in the creek, Jason meticulously searches for free gold in the gravels. Watch as he discovers his first gold flakes, sparking the excitement of finding more.
From the creek, Jason takes us up onto the slopes to hunt for hard rock float, crucial indicators of nearby rich gold veins. Along the way, he discusses the complex geology of the North Cascades, including subduction zones, volcanic arcs, and the geological conditions that favor gold formation.
The adventure continues higher up the hills as Jason shows us intriguing quartz veins and searches for float. His expert commentary provides valuable insights into the geological processes at play and the clues that prospectors look for.
Back at the rock shop, Jason slabs up the float samples he collected, examining them closely for the telltale signs of gold. This final step in the journey brings the excitement of discovery full circle.
Whether you're a seasoned prospector or a geology enthusiast, this video offers a thrilling exploration of the North Cascades' geology and gold potential. Don't miss this captivating journey!
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more gold prospecting adventures and geological explorations!
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Keywords: North Cascades Geology, Gold Prospecting, Ruth Creek Gold, Gold Panning, Hard Rock Gold, Gold Veins, Geological Exploration, Subduction Zones, Volcanic Arcs, Quartz Veins, Gold Mining
Hashtags: #GoldProspecting #NorthCascades #Geology #GoldPanning #HardRockGold #GoldMining #WashingtonState #ProspectingAdventure

[@HanstheTraffer]

I am old and disabled. I have been interested in Gold mining all of my life. Tried to major in Geology in college, but was dissuaded from pursuing gold because at that time gold was about $50 an ounce. I have also been an outdoorsman , hunting and fishing all of my life. Now that I can't get out anymore I appreciate you SO MUCH for taking us along on your adventures. Talk away my friend. Every word is interesting. THANK YOU

[@jamisontaylor878]

Buy some paydirt and have fun my friend 😊

[@jamisontaylor878]

Buy some paydirt and have some fun 😊

[@rickschlosser6793]

Gold being $50/ounce was the reason the mines closed in the 1940s and 50s. I believe both the USA and Canada (I’m Canadian) had the gold standard back then. The price of gold was fixed but the mines costs were rising. It was just a matter of time. But with gold at $2300/oz, those ore bodies might be very viable today.

[@krakhedd]

@@rickschlosser6793 Chris @ Vogus has also talked about that for a couple or a few years now, that gold was creeping up in price and it was looking like a great time to get into the gold mining business - he mentioned today it's almost AU$4000/oz (!!!!!)

[@rodparker6530]

I was thinking drone well before you said that. Can’t hit it with a hammer or carry it out but yer, do it. Then I’ll know if it’s worth it too

[@trevorwhat]

😂 it’s never “babbling.” It’s your continuous assessment of the project at hand. Or talking through questions, calculations, etc. Like your ongoing trials with flux recipes. It’s precisely why your videos are so compelling. The audience gets to learn/discover with you. Now *I’m* babbling…

[@mattbrown5418]

and he does it all without acting like your typical loud KZbinr !

[@bobsluga6694]

I finger you would say that.

[@trevorwhat]

@@mattbrown5418 so true, Matt. Jason doesn’t act at all. Smart, curious and inspired and it always comes through.

[@michaelpass2176]

Would there be any gold around Mt. ST. Helen’s after the explosion?

[@michaelpass2176]

Mark on your map

[@golfacademydelasamericas7347]

Never stop teaching , its your talent

[@davidmccleary5540]

What an amazing video. From the geology lessons, native American lore, to 19th century lumbering, just wow.

[@xyzabc4574]

I live within a stones throw of Mount Baker. I could eat up these local geology rants all day every day. Thank you for posting.

[@dionh70]

Which kind of stone? Phyllite or granite?

[@Twokeeshonds]

Thank you my friend. Just got back from surgery and I get another chance at life. Seeing this long form vid brought a smile to my face. Thank you

[@007goretex]

i love any type of videos that mix history/geography and geology/science keep these going

[@ARGONUAT]

We love it all, Jason. Geology nerds of the world UNITE!!!

[@priscillaross-fox9407]

Geology should be and should have always been taught in grade school.

[@Former0311]

Classic arm waving geology professor field trip lecture. I love it.

[@tammybrazeau1213]

They say you learn something new every day, today I learned about a years worth. Thanks, Jason, for your babbling. I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@jimkessler2001]

There can NEVER be too much information from you, Jason. Keep up your educational ramblings ! I think you should be nominated for an Honorary Doctorate in Geology From some Higher Institution. Your popularizing of this subject deserves recognition. Greetings from Fife , Scotland !

[@outdoorloser4340]

Keep rambling Jason! I love it 👍

[@dn2817]

I can attest to something about these massive cedars and blue spruce. I lived in unincorporated king county Redmond Washington & I had about 1 acre. The cedars and spruces on my property were huge. It cost me a lot of money to get an arborist to care for my trees. About 3 years after I spent all that $, we had this massive, terrifying wind storm around 2007. And some if my trees got snapped in half & a few came down. I used a home made jig, chainsaw and I turned the wood into useful boards and beams of lumber. Thousands of dollars of useful wood. And that is hours away from Jason’s filming location. You have to properly manage the forrest or it gets dry and will go up like a roman candle and burn it ALL down. You cut down trees but plant more. That’s just how it works or mother nature will burn the brush all down.

[@TheN30M]

Jason goes prospecting is the best! A whole series of these would be so cool, impressive how much knowledge you sit on. Time to find the next Mount Baker prospect

[@dontwatch1227]

Only tell us though

[@markg454]

i concur

[@dougmaclean8818]

Great work as always Jason. You are a natural teacher buddy. You explain everything in an interesting way that is easy to understand. This long version of you in the field is awesome. Keep it coming Jason, we will be here waiting patiently for the next release

[@wakeupmannow5812]

The history is as appealing as the present and all makes up the bigger picture.

[@rg3412]

Man I love these geological adventures you’re taking us on

[@Guywithcrazyideas]

You sir are a great teacher. I learned so much and you kept my attention which is super rare. Keep up the great work.

[@LeeJDo]

I know that was tiring, but damnit I want more videos of just walking around prospecting and explaining geology

[@TheSubmissiveStone]

We love these outdoor vids and if everyone’s babble was as informative as yours the world would be a better place! Keep it coming man!

[@Dirt47]

Babble away Jason! We love our great state and the geology where the shiny comes from!!!!

[@csorgatz]

Great content Jason, your dialog (babble) is spot-on and useful. Keep up the digging!

[@seemyworld1]

Thank you. That was the most informative geology video I have watched regarding mountain formation.

[@brianz367]

I love so much about this video. Forest, streams, geology, your best video in my opinion!!!

[@dagwood1327]

While I was watching this from the comfort of my recliner, I was thinking it is amazing to click on a video and be able to get an education in a field of study I didn’t even know I had an interest in learning. And I was thinking (before you started talking about your fitness level) that I couldn’t even get to the washed out road much less to the waterfall. No telling how many times I thought man I have to get into shape.

[@cz8189]

Love these videos with you out in the woods, "babbling" in such an interesting and informative way about the geology and environment- please keep them coming !

[@grumpyoldstudios]

Just wanted to say a huge Thank You to Jason for my ebay purchase. Crazy fast shipping and it is amazing. Also thanks for another great video.

[@amydamon2323]

I've enjoyed all of your prospecting videos which seem to just get better and better. Love the babbling, the geology lessons, the logging lessons and the great scenic views. I could maybe handle the hiking, but never those mutant mosquitos. Thanks for doing this for us.

[@RroadhouseE]

I'm giving you one finger up on this video. 👍 More please 🙏

[@paulreiche]

Tremendous adventure and geology lesson, Jason. Others have said this, but you pack together several lectures-worth of geology, and do so in a clear, amazingly-well-demonstrated fashion. Thank you ++!

[@MrMarkAMartin]

This is your best video, I like the indigenous history, the geology and the logging-mining history. My wish is that you continue the weave, it is good.

[@davidgekler]

My Dad went to Colorado School of Mines - he could out "babble" you any day - I just love hearing ya talk, never stop!

[@nwliving]

Wonderful vid. History of logging, Salish native history, gold history. And here is the answer to how the old timers got it done. They had no other choice. Work or starve for them and their family. Only 1 in ten thousand ever made enough to survive one season. Your extremely blessed to have a working mine that you rehabbed.

[@Kevin-mw9yl]

Boy, that was intense. Thank you for sharing, and educating us, all things on geology, flaura, and local indigenous history.

[@cwtrain]

>babbling to myself in the woods. Hehe. Should we tell him? Bruh, that's literally why a sizeable chunk of us are here. Personally, I have a bunk hip. I'm finally getting old enough where scaling any grade I set my eyes on is no longer an option. Point is, I can't do this myself. You're one of my avatars out there. And who doesn't love gold? I'm here for it. Never stop.

[@terryvincent3788]

Jason you make geology fun!!

[@waynemartin1490]

You’re a pleasure to watch and I really enjoyed this episode! Being somewhat of a science nerd I wanted to complement you on being such a wonderful teacher! The way you present your knowledge coupled with your enthusiasm is captivating.

[@paulgoeke758]

I'd be willing to bet that there are tons of your viewers, self included, that would love nothing more than hiking those mountains with you for a day or two! Keep putting out awesome footage, luv it! Dykes and fingers, what more can you ask for....(tell em not to and...)

[@wakeupidiotsnow2611]

Yes, Jason, you are up the creek! LMAOFF! we all wish we were there soaking it up. Great trek dude!

[@akawireguy1197]

It's all fascinating Jason. keep it up. A gold miner story. For several years I lived up in Butte Creek Canyon, on Centerville Road, one of California's fabled gold rush era mining areas.I lived in this little shack down at the lower end of the 40 acre property, at the end of the driveway. I'm 18 years old. One day I'm standing on the porch of this very ramshackle building and into the parking area pulls this white Ford Fairlane, a '67 or so. The entire drivers side is red with blood. I had no idea who it was but it was clear whoever it was had just hit and probably dragged something or someone. I was in shock and was just turning to step inside and arm myself when I realized what I was looking at was chewing tobacco. The driver chewed and spit out the window and the side of the car was covered with the stuff. Turns out he was an acquaintance of my parents and like you he was a serious miner and geologist. He was a good old guy.

[@holly52ful]

I am from Ohio. And I was ministering in Texas- small church out in the unpopulated area- and I had two dogs. I kept seeing dog poop in between the house and church. I didn’t do anything about, as far as I remember! But here is caveat! It wasn’t poop but tobacco?? Yes, never saw anyone chew and yes even some of the women chewed!! Lol never will forget that. It was in Huckabay Texas! 10 miles north of Stephenville and hour and half from Fort Worth- southwest of it! . Have good day

[@semoneg2826]

Sorry but it's hilarious 😅

[@_______v]

Love these longer videos Jason, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@weekendwarriorweldingdiypr4604]

Please do more like this. This and the actual gold mining. This is great content.

[@raebeebe6325]

Good work Jason! My Dad loved to prospect in N. Calif and Nevada. Me and a group of friends worked all up and down most of the length of the Cascades and Coast Range in various logging venues - we climbed up and slid down many a slope. I'm 71 now and a bit worse for wear, but i too enjoy your dialogues and travels, and wish i could travel and prospect with you. I hope you hit the Big One!

[@pnwriverfisher]

You should show that old bus by the mouth of Swamp. Tell the story of Jerry! Love hearing all the history you share, thanks for the videos 👍🏻

[@aaronjohnson7347]

Thanks Jason! being a WA native, lifelong rock hound, and geology buff. Really appreciate your sharing of geology knowledge!!!!!

[@markmatt9174]

@mbmllc as a 57 yr old non working disabled vet I would love to be there with you. Here, Ohio doesn’t have much in the gold/geology you have our there. So I watch you, @jeffwilliams , @danheard and @pioneerpauly often. Its my adventurous side living vicariously through you all. Appreciate the views, ramblings and valuable information you all provide. I get to see places my broken body will never be able to get to, lucky to get to the mailbox regularly. Keep up the great job guys I'm not alone with the outdoor life we need.

[@tenns]

Probably your best video, that and the one you started drilling for the mine for the first time, and the one where you go find the listwanite. Probably one of the best videos i've seen online, and i watch a LOT of stuff on youtube. Thank you for those videos. This is amazing, and i see people agree. Keep it up, proud of you!

[@adriaannikken7519]

Thanks for taking us along. Super!

[@bombadil776]

I'm on Van Isle. All these things seem particularly relevant.

[@dragon90815]

Heck of a hike

[@briangreen9677]

I love all the "babbling" because it's all stuff a lot of us have never heard before. You're sharing a lot of good information, teaching us about all sorts of things in an environment where you're seeing it and able to point it out. I know it's a lot of work to get out there and find this stuff, but it truly is appreciated. Sharing the incredible views as you venture out make it all the better. As for the drone, I think it's a great idea. How about you hold off and set yourself a goal for how many ounces of gold you want to pull out of your mine this season and if you hit that goal, you buy yourself a drone. That way you create a goal that has something other than money as the reward. Anyway, keep up the awesome work and thank you for bringing us all along!

[@marcsimonsen1578]

I have loved geology and mining my whole life, and while several people have attempted to explain the process by which gold and other precious ores are deposited in the overlaying rock, no one has ever explained it so clearly and with such great examples as you have done in this video! This is geology 101 at its greatest! Please continue to explain, expound and explore, taking us along!

[@josephcormier5974]

This was very enjoyable and beautiful country thank you for sharing this six stars brother

[@mogwopjr]

After watching this, I feel like I owe you a beer. This is the most I've learned in a KZbin video, in ages! Thank you Jason, this is a wonderful video.

[@duanelewellen5458]

Thank you Jason for the geology and history lesson from a Whidbey Island resident and 5th generation Washingtonian. Not to mention that Mt. Baker is still an active volcano!

[@semoneg2826]

So Mt Baker could erupt at any time

[@nsa_surveillance_orb-42b]

I love your detective work and explaining everything, helps me learn what's going on. I did a ton of hiking up your way when I lived in the Seattle area, loved every mile, always wondered about what I was seeing and wishing I could read the rock types like you do. Been a rockhound for most of my life, thanks for the adventure. Well done

[@daniellecrawford6933]

I like the so-called babbling, I can listen to you talk all day😊

[@leeroychang]

Love the babbling brook and the babbling Jason. Great video. Well done and thank you.

[@Nicoli-bg8lp]

Jason thanks for the hard work you put in to making these videos( including the editing)! The are very informative and the way you break it down and explain it helps a lot of people get a better understanding of the incredible forces at play in nature. Also how we are just a fly speck in the grand scheme of time!!!!

[@milkmanchoppers]

Jason's Geology School! Fracking Love It!

[@charlespierce8412]

Great and very informative chat as your hiking. As you were explaining Geology teachings it's easier to comprehend how all these resources appear close to these fault zones. Thank goodness your sharing knowledge with your subscribers.

[@Aluminator82]

All geologylessons from you are of great value to me. Thanks for these vids!

[@garyjohnson1757]

Jason I really enjoy these type of shows I go hiking learn about geology thanks

[@FrancisChartrand7769]

I love your videos, this was my favourite so far. The geology thoughts were amazing. Don't be shy to get nerdy it was amazing.

[@mikeschatz9153]

This is the best gold prospecting video I’ve ever watched. Thank you

[@bencarlyle2155]

Good stuff Maynard

[@trajonduclos7931]

Love your geology rants! You have a very firm grasp of geology, as it relates to mining. One, tiny, definition correction: Granitic outcrops can be described as intrusive, plutonic, batholithic, and magmatic, but not volcanic, as they can not form in an eruption ( pressure too low). I am truly picking the fly poop out of pepper here, Jason. Great video! More please!!!

[@marlinphelps3665]

Camped and fished mount Baker many times .Never knew the history you presented .great vid.

[@johntenhave1]

That was utterly fascinating, even to a geological ignoramus such as myself. It is s sign of a great teacher when you can take something someone know nothing about and keep them riveted for an hour. Bravo Sir!

[@murrayedington]

Absolutely fascinating day out - many thanks for bringing us all along and the geology lessons!!

[@RyanMartin-wg7gm]

Thanks Jason we love your show and I try to keep up with you you are a really good teacher it's pretty important to know about how things in nature work so thank you my Brother for pioneering

[@kerzwhile]

This is excellent Jason! ❤ hands down one of the best geology vids Ive ever seen!!

[@AJShiningThreads]

❤❤❤more like this!!! Love the exploration and the history!❤❤❤

[@JohnSmith-pf8of]

Probably best video on prospecting i have ever seen with great views thank you

[@EsoxLVCIVS6776]

Thanks Jason this is all really interesting stuff and your commentary is very much worth listening to

[@michaelpass2176]

Jason fantastic info of the rock history

[@jameswatt8841]

This was so fun to tag along. Love the exploration lessons. I am in the Columbia valley in Canada. Ft. Steele an old mining town that still has some gold in the river! Makes me want to figure it all out here! So fun. At the edge of the Canadian Rockies to the east. Purcell to the west. Major boundary. Found some nice clean quartz, And some sort of rock with some really nice chalcopyrite in it just in the creek bed.

[@mcpherret]

best video ever for visual learners. drones are great for overview but being there on foot is reality. thanks for the experience Jason.

[@stephenurmano2198]

Thanks for sharing and teaching us about the immense riches that abound. Hopefully nature can recover from the madness that ran rampant mid century and likely earlier too.

[@pholdren]

I've been watching a lot of geology videos recently by Shawn Willsey, including his ones on different rocks and minerals, such as quartz, granite/diorite, phyllite, metamorphic and igneous intrusive concepts, etc. It was really cool to see some of that repeated in this video and to get a glimpse of how much geologic knowledge you have, Jason. I love learning, so it's never a bother to me to hear your thoughts spoken aloud. You could opt to just complain about how difficult it is to hike up those mountains, but instead your zeal for finding veins keeps you going, and keeps the video adventurous and entertaining! I wish I could go on a hike with you sometime, but I wonder if I wouldn't be able to keep up!

[@ZachSemago]

So much value! You’re one of the few who can break down a prospect and keep it entertaining all the way through! I live in WA and you’re inspiring me to get out and try for gold!

[@markbrown6236]

Love the commentary and your hiking adventures.

[@jp27whodey31]

The knowledge...the views .. Adventure ...intrigue....love it all. Excellent work mate

[@aloharay]

Have watched you and Dan Hurd for years. Loved this informational video, even your babbling and historic context. thanks!

[@DavidStock-fw1fj]

Love the wanders and the babling!!! Mega views and the rants are great. Your a hardworkin, level guy. Thanks for the vids!

[@armencarpenter7492]

That was the clearest description of geology that I have ever heard! Thankyou!

[@digdouglasdig]

I cherish every bit of knowledge you provide, more is better. All of it is much appreciated and very entertaining as well. Thank you!!

[@billfoley7464]

Appreciate your videos and the scenery is beautiful. Thanks

[@jdl.1234]

This is one of your best videos Jason. I enjoy your work.

[@patrickjones1061]

Excellent Video Jason. Maybe your best geology video! Thank you!

[@johnkiser2658]

Ramble on. I find this interesting Sunday afternoon entertainment

[@kelterskelter1969]

Keep talking geology & history. It's fascinating and informative.

[@mojavegold-]

Thanks, Jason! I enjoyed watching and listening to your musings while you were climbing and prospecting in your beautiful mountains. I can't climb quite like I did just a few years ago after an accident left one leg held together with screws and plates - but I still prospect and detect locally wherever my old Willys Jeep will go on open BLM land. Our desert area is mainly quartz monzonite with some localized zones of marble, hornfels, phylite, shyst and quartzite. Some smaller contacts have hornblende, diorite and gabbro. There are old gold and silver mines in and around both those types of contacts. The nuggets I've detected have mainly been in the detritus below the old mines. I've also seen some raw silver-colored metal in the granite in one spot - but haven't had a chance to collect any yet. The occasional quartz veins I have chased down all seem to be pure white "bull quartz" with no mineralization - but I am always hopeful!

[@talldave1000]

Smart video Jason. Keep em coming. Always learning something from your videos.

[@americangora1183]

I think this is your best video. Perspective

[@jimfausset8122]

Thanks for your videos you are always so informative and look at the places you go even when I was your age I wouldn't do that but what beautiful country in incredible things you see thanks for sharing

[@timothyodonnell8591]

Outstanding video! Fascinating!

[@benstradling7615]

Great video thanks for taking us along on your adventure

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

Hello Jason. I learn so much much from your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@4seasonspix]

🌟 Spectacular and highly fascinating geological and environmental journey, Jason 🌟 Amazing dedication to your viewers (students) - thank you so much!!! 💛