Metal Detecting Hunts in Washington
Washington runs a reliable club-hunt rhythm: the Pilchuck Treasure Hunting Club holds seeded beach hunts at Silver Lake in Everett every spring and fall — $20 entry, post-hunt chicken potluck, members bury coins and tokens for each other — and the North American Miners Association's Gold N' Nugget Hunt near Auburn seeds real gold on private property each August, camping included.
Upcoming hunts in Washington
NAMA 4th Annual Gold N' Nugget Hunt
Aug 29, 2026 — Auburn, WA · Seeded hunt · $200 all-3 ($40–$85/hunt)
The North American Miners Association's 4th Annual Gold N' Nugget Hunt — Saturday August 29, 2026, on a private property (overnight camping permitted) off Kersey Way SE / 55th St SE near Auburn, WA (southeast of the city… Hosted by North American Miners Association (NAMA).
Pilchuck THC Frank Lupien Memorial Fall Hunt
Oct 10, 2026 — Everett, WA · Seeded hunt · $20
Annual fall seeded beach hunt at Thornton A. Sullivan Park Beach, Silver Lake, held in memory of club member Frank Lupien. Hosted by Pilchuck Treasure Hunting Club.
Recent hunts
- Pilchuck THC Randy Ruotsala Spring Hunt — Apr 11, 2026, Everett, WA · Seeded hunt · hosted by Pilchuck Treasure Hunting Club. Annual spring seeded beach hunt at Thornton A. Sullivan Park Beach, Silver Lake.
Recurring hunts to watch
Pilchuck's spring and fall hunts recur every April and October at the same beach — the club page lists both. NAMA's Gold N' Nugget Hunt is an annual August event, 2026 being the 4th.
Detecting in Washington: the short version
Organized hunts are the easy way in — the host has already secured land permission, and that's most of what your entry fee buys. Outside events, get landowner permission on private ground and check state and local rules for parks and beaches before digging. Seeded hunts are the friendliest start for beginners and kids; natural hunts reward experience. New to organized hunts? Start with the guide to metal detecting hunts and the FAQ.
Nearby states with listed hunts: Oregon, Idaho. Listings come from the DigRallies directory — dates and fees are checked against the hosts' own announcements, but always confirm with the host before traveling.