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On Saturday we found ourselves with a wide-open day and some high wind up here in the desert so we decided to head out to do some gold panning in Lytle Creek (about 20 miles away) in the San Bernadino National Forest to check out the creek and maybe even find some gold.  (spoiler alert = we didn’t find any)  But we did find ourselves having a blast in the forest.

Our visit to Lytle Creek

From the second we pulled up to the Lyte Creek Ranger Station and I smelled the pine needle I was instantly transported to my childhood in Washington State.  Amazing what a long-forgotten smell can do for the soul!  Does the smell of warm pine needles do the same for you?

Matt really loves reading about finding gold in California and has told me some amazing stories that have come out of the San Gabriel Mountains.  Most are in more isolated places and hike-in-type situations but Lytle Creek seemed like a good place to give panning for gold a whirl and would allow the kids to have a safe opportunity to try it!

If you aren’t familiar with Lytle Creek, this hidden gem lies just east of Interstate 15 and the Cajon Pass, at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.   Above at the higher elevations sits Cucamonga Peak and the infamous Mt. San Antonio but down here at the lower elevations deep canyons and a lush landscape prevail.

Panning For Gold in Lytle Creek

So, I will let the photos do the talking but we just played in in the creek for hours.  It was a touch chilly and the water brisk but that didn’t bother anyone.  I metal detected a bit and took photos.  Matt, Abby, and Jake panned for gold.

While the water levels depend on the season and recent rain flow, the water was very shallow that day and has a great little flow to it.  They quickly learned that if you found a little waterfall you could use it to help quicked the process up a bit! It was really fun to watch everyone working together as a team.  I promise I helped out too, but I think I like taking photos a little bit more than I like panning for gold.

Matt and the kids on the other hand, could not get enough!

They were using a simple panning kit that they purchased on Amazon.  We have used it on several outings and it’s lightweight and durable.  Great reviews too! And that really is all you need to pan for gold with kids.  I have found that looking at reviews while shopping on Amazon is one of the best ways to make sure you are grabbing the correct gold panning gear.

So, as I mentioned above, we did not find any gold, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.  This specific region has been a fun place for treasure hunters for generations! Although, I don’t know if they had such a fun and easy gold panning kit!

Lunch at Melody’s Place

Then on the way back out, before heading home,  we stopped by The Scotland’s Store &  Melody’s Place.  This, one and only restaurant in the area, been around since 1910 and is a cult favorite.  The restaurant was so charming and made me feel like I was at my Grandma’s House and that is a good thing. We will be back!

How to Visit Lytle Creek

If you live in the LA metro make sure to check out Lytle Creek for a fun day trip!  The Creek is nearest to the communities of Fontana, Ranco Cucamonga, and San Bernardino.  It is very easy to access from Interstate 15.

If you are looking for more adventure you can even hike to Bonita Falls (about 3 miles RT).

For everyone else who doesn’t live in Southern California, do you know why I post about this stuff?  I hope that it inspires you to explore the areas around where you live.  Getting outside is the first step.  Just pick a place and go visit.  I can tell you that 9 times out of 10 it was a day well spent!

BONUS X 2

And while we are here I have two extra fun things that I wanted to add to this post; the Every Kid Outdoors program and the Buglet.

Every Kid Outdoors Pass

Because I am talking about a National Forest region I wanted to take a second to mention a program that we love!

Did you know that if you are a fourth-grader, or age equivalent free-choice learner, you and your family can receive an Every Kid Outdoors pass that will give you free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year.  Read more here! 

Buglets

Secondly, I want to point out those colorful bands on the kid’s arms!  Those are our new Buglets.  These are the coolest essential oil diffusing, bug-repelling slap bracelets! This award-winning product deserves a place in every household this summer.  People rave about this chemical-free product and I can see why! The oil smells pleasant, is super easy to put into the bracelet and they are cute and colorful too.

What they wore

Abby is wearing new leggings from our friends at Terez.  So fun for my little pre-tween!  Her jacket is older Ivivva.  Her bow is a new Jojos Bow from H.E.R. Accessories and available here on Amazon.  Flip flops are Havaianas.

Jake is wearing a Paper Wings sweatshirt.  His shorts are new from Zara.  Love the cut and that they are shorts or swim trunks! #winning.  His shoes are by Crocs.  Totally twinning Matt who loves his Crocs.

More Photos from Our California Gold Panning Outing

I have a lot more photos to share from this trip so I hope you enjoy! And if you have any questions about visiting Lytle Creek or panning for gold with kids I am more than happy to answer them!

Just leave me a comment below!

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