I saw the episode about the Spectrum Mine dig a long time ago and thought it looked like fun. This summer we packed up the truck and the kids and headed there to try our luck. I tried to know exactly where to go but didn't have a very good map. Had I not stopped at the gas station in Christmas Valley I would have never found the pamphlet on the BLM free collection area with a shorter way to get there.(although very bumpy) We had a great time and found more shillers and one great stone that had red in it on the ground than we found at the Mine the next morning. I was aware that we would be sifting though a pile of dirt and that there was a cost for any other digging. We didn't even finish our pile when we decided to leave. I would have liked to have had more time to explore other Mines or areas. I will say that we were treated very nicely, and that since we knew that there were fees for everything else we went in knowing what we wanted. The people we spoke with were all very nice and answered even the silliest of questions. And yes it was very hot and we brought our own water. 10 gals worth.

My family and I visited the Spectrum mine this summer as well. We enjoyed the experience, the raod is a bit bumpy in several places, but access was good. Since we were on a real tight time schedule, we did a belt run which we found a lot of stones. Some nuce reds as well. We also bought a high grade pile and ran a bit of it but put is in buckets and bags and brought it home for processing. It was a great time. I agree, more time to explore the other mines, and the BLM lands would have been great too. A person needs to be ready to camp and spend several days in the area. Here is a link to a report and pics I put together about the trip if you are interested. http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/thread...ck+Ranch+trip+Report

My family also hunted sunstones at the Spectrum mine this summer. We stayed in Lakeview and drove out in the mornings. We spent the first day at the free BLM site and found plenty of small to medium stones using screens we brought from home. We bought a scoop at the Spectrum mine the second day and had a great time. We had four adults and three kids sorting and were worn out by the time it was done. We found stones with every screen and everyone got one or two really nice ones. The owner from the show was helpful and since we got there early, gave us plenty of attention before more people arrived. It was very hot so bring plenty of water and snacks and expect a few rock chips on the car. We saw rattle snakes, antelope, wild donkeys in Nevada and the kids each brought home a coffee can of sunstones. Make sure you stop at the Plush store/restaurant/tavern/gas station for ice cream and a look at the map on the porch.

Sounds like a great time. It is a kick out there. The road is a bit challenging in a place or 2, just rougher that all get out. lol We didn't take the time to stop at the store at Plush. We were staying at Klamath Falls at the time, it was a long drive to and from. Staying at Lakeview would be the way to go or camping on the BLM campsite. I would love to get back there some time. It was a blast!