Where is Kayla Johanson now? ‘Gold Rush White Water’ ex-crew hustling to grow family’s ‘gold’ business

Kayla Johanson was the only female crew member on the discovery show 'Gold Rush White Water'
PUBLISHED MAR 10, 2024
Kayla Johanson left Gold Rush White Water in 2023 (Instagram/ @kaylanuggetjohanson)
Kayla Johanson left Gold Rush White Water in 2023 (Instagram/ @kaylanuggetjohanson)

MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA: After bidding farewell to 'Gold Rush: White Water,' Kayla Johanson has immersed herself in a thriving venture, repurposing minerals and gems to craft bespoke jewelry. Operating under her Etsy shop, ThePeekingDoe, she showcases her handcrafted creations, including wire-wrapped gemstones and exquisite sterling silver rings.

Currently residing in Alaska, Kayla has embraced the family tradition of gold mining, with her grandfather setting the precedent. Beyond gold, Kayla explores various minerals and crystals, using her discoveries, such as gold nuggets, to fashion unique handmade jewelry. Her diverse collection reflects a passion for crafting personalized pieces, showcasing her dedication to both her family's legacy and her artistic endeavors.

'Gold Rush: White Water' Season 5 cast Kayla Jackson (Kayla Johanson / Facebook)
'Gold Rush: White Water' Season 5 cast Kayla Jackson now has her own gold business (Kayla Johanson / Facebook)

Continuing a family legacy, Kayla follows in her grandfather's footsteps by pursuing gold mining as a business. Although it remains unclear whether her grandfather found gold during his quest, his adventurous spirit and exploration have inspired Kayla to carry forward the tradition. Despite any uncertainties about the past, Kayla remains dedicated to the family legacy and her own journey in the world of gold mining. 

Why did Kayla Johanson leave 'Gold Rush White Water'? 

On June 8, 2023, Kayla Johanson took to Facebook to announce the season finale of 'Gold Rush: White Water' and, notably, her farewell episode from the series. In a heartfelt message, she thanked her fans for accompanying her on this journey and expressed her appreciation for the adventure.

Johanson revealed that her decision to move to Alaska was motivated by a quest for happiness and freedom, with the goal of establishing her mining and jewelry business. With gratitude for the experience, she conveyed that it was now time to embark on new and promising endeavors.

"While this experience was definitely an adventure, I moved to Alaska in pursuit of happiness and freedom in doing my own mining and running my jewelry business.

Working on the show was tying me down too much and taking too much away from my own personal mining goals and business goals," she wrote in the post. 

'Gold Rush: White Water' Season 5 cast Kayla Jackson left the show (Kayla Johanson / Facebook)
Kayla Johanson left 'Gold Rush: White Water' in 2023  (Kayla Johanson / Facebook)

When will 'Gold Rush White Water' new season release? 

Get ready for the exhilarating return of 'Gold Rush: White Water' on March 12, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT on the Discovery Channel! This season promises intense action and redemption as Dustin Hurt takes the lead, determined to overcome the challenges from the previous season.

The team's mission is clear: discover a significant gold payout, brave the perilous landscapes of Alaska, and conquer the obstacles presented by the wild terrain. In a high-stakes adventure, the crew puts their lives on the line, embarking on a thrilling journey filled with risks and rewards as they seek the hidden fortune within the rugged beauty of Alaska.

James will be seen in 'Gold Rush White Water' Season 7 (Discovery)
'Gold Rush White Water' Season 8 premieres on March 12 (Discovery)

'Gold Rush: White Water' Season 8 premieres on Friday, March 8th at 8:00 pm ET on Discovery

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