There
are still active gold claims in the area, as well as gold in the river.
Barkerville in the gold rush days produced one of the highest-grade
gold ores in North America. 
This
national historical site has been restored to its original condition
including an operating waterwheel for sluicing. 
The
admission to this relatively large gold rush town is free from October
to April. Between May to September there are mining demonstrations using
gold pans. This settlement is about 75 minutes from the Ranch and opened
year round. A few weeks before Christmas old fashioned traditions are
revived, such as caroling and horse drawn sleigh rides.
