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
The North American Miners Association's 4th Annual Gold N' Nugget Hunt — Saturday August 29, 2026, on private property on 55th St SE in Auburn, WA 98092 (southeast of the city toward Enumclaw, off Kersey Way SE); overnight camping permitted. 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. Club provides chicken for a post-hunt potluck. Hunt 10:00–10:45 AM. Hosted by Pilchuck Treasure Hunting Club.
By the Light of the Silvery Moon Hunt
Oct 10, 2026 — Bremerton, WA · Seeded hunt · $80
The Olympic Peninsula Treasure Hunters Club's 29th annual Silvery Moon hunt — an evening seeded hunt on Saturday October 10, 2026 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, 1200 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton WA 98311, starting 4:30 PM. Open to everyone. Entry is $80 whether you pre-register or pay at the door, and includes dinner. Hosted by Olympic Peninsula Treasure Hunters Club (OPTH).
Recent hunts
- NWTHC Four Amigo's Treasure Outing — Jul 25, 2026, Loon Lake, WA · Seeded hunt · hosted by Northwest Treasure Hunters Club. A one-day 'Four Amigo's Treasure Outing' hosted by the Northwest Treasure Hunters Club (a Spokane-based non-profit founded 1971) at Pinelow Park & Conference Center, 3806 N Deer…
- 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. Participants bury coins and tokens for each other to find.
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.