I was there 4yrs ago. No camping at the park it self but Crystal Park Camp is a few miles south. Take your best spray for flying blood suckers they were thick do not remember them being as bad at dig site. We were there during the week and camp was not crowded at all. Can go to Elk Horn Hot Springs for a dip and or showers, donot remember cost.

If I was to go again I would leave the parking lot and go over the hill to other side to try my luck. People have been digging there a long time so probably the deeper the better. The 1/4 inch screen should be fine. If you wanted to build one with legs to pound into the ground so one person digs while another sifts you may have better results. Depending on age of kids you could make 12" square for them.

If in Butte go to the Montana Tech (I think thats the name) Museum. There is Lolo Pass (did not have much luck) south of Missula and Calvert Hill, Red Button Mine, Deer Lodge Co. for maybe Epidote. Look them up on Mindat.

From Mike C - June 30, 2009 at 09:55:46

Message: 67997