The Orleans Mountain Roadless Area (B5079) in California has substantiated mineral-resource potential for placer and lode gold. This conclusion is based on an investigation that included geologic mapping, study of known mines, prospects, and mineralized areas, gravity and aeromagnetic surveys, and geochemical sampling. Gravel deposits along the Salmon River contain placer gold. Resources of lode gold exist at mines in the northwest and southwest portions of the roadless area. The geologic terrane precludes the occurrence of fossil fuel resources.