Memorial Day weekend also means the return of gold panning at South Yuba River State Park in Bridgeport. That’s from noon to 2pm every Saturday, Sunday and holiday through Labor Day. Event coordinator Cheryl Pirtle says patience helps if you want to be successful. And because of that, they want to make sure no one leaves empty-handed…

click to listen to Cheryl Pirtle

You can also learn from docents how the old 49ers used simple pans to find hidden treasure in the shallows of the river. But Pirtle says apparently someone felt there was more to be found in the trough gravel used by park visitors, and recently stole all of it…

click to listen to Cheryl Pirtle

In addition to step-by-step panning lessons, docents share stories about the history of the area, and describe other ways the precious metal was extracted during the California Gold Rush, such as hard rock mining and hydraulic mining. Gold panning is free, but park officials are asking for $1 donations that helps them cover the costs of materials and supplies. There’s also a $5 parking fee.