Tohakum Peak is one of the highest peaks in Northern Nevada and is the site of a mysterious burial of $250,000 worth of gold ore by a prospector in the 1880s.
According to local folklore, the prospector struck it rich and decided to secure his newfound wealth by burying the gold ore near Tohakum Peak. Unfortunately, upon his return from a winter hiatus, the prospector could not relocate the spot where he had hidden his treasure.
Tohakum Peak, with its commanding presence and visibility from a distance, is located about two miles northeast of the northern tip of Pyramid Lake, an area unapproachable except by permission by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.
The ore remains concealed, leaving the prospector and subsequent generations puzzled by its whereabouts. The fortunate individual who stumbles upon this forgotten treasure should be prepared for arduous work, as extracting the gold ore would require substantial effort. Specialized equipment to move the ore down the mountainous terrain would be essential.
In 1814 an unfortunate Spanish wagon train with $50,000 in gold coins was attacked. The attackers, the Paiute Indians, having no practical use for the gold coins, are said to have scattered them on the beaches of Pyramid Lake, particularly near Anano Island.
With the possibility of unearthing a hidden fortune in gold coins, it is no wonder that the idea of metal detecting along the lake’s shores has captured the imagination of many.
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