Find a flat, shallow pan. If you don't own one, you can buy one at many places in El Dorado County, such as hardware stores and mining supply companies.
Choose your spot. One good choice is in Coloma, the site of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park on the east side of the South Fork, downstream from the Mount Murphy Bridge. Another site is the Auburn State Recreation Area where the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the American River meet.
Dig up some small gravel and sand. Fill about two-thirds of your pan. Add enough water to fill the pan to the top.
Hold the pan level and gently move it in a circular motion. Tilt the pan slightly, about 30 degrees, while still moving it in a circle. Let the lighter dirt and gravel bits wash out over the edge with some of the water.
Level the pan. Continue to swirl the water, alternately tilting and leveling the pan. Break up any clumps of clay or dirt in the pan. Change the water as needed to keep it clear, but use less water as you pour out dirt.
Swirl, level and tilt your pan until there is only a small amount of heavy black sand in the bottom. Swirl the water slowly and gently. You should see any gold flakes or bits at the end of the tail of sand.
Pick any bits of gold out of the sand with a pair of tweezers.
