Oregon is a great place to look for gold. The Northeastern and Southwestern corners of the state are the best places to look. Oregon has produced almost 6,000,000 ounces of recorded gold findings. Much of the state is controlled by BLM and NFS and they offer several areas that are withdrawn from mineral entry, which means no one can claim it. That leaves it open to recreational gold prospecting. Currently a dredge permit in Oregon is free for dredges up to 4″ hose diameter and if you want to use a 5″ ~ 8″ dredge it has to be approved by the DEQ and cost $50.00. Although the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) operating under the liberal democrats plan for more government control has put a stop to a lot of mining in Oregon. You and your family should be able to find some great prospecting locations though, at this time.