Tahquitz Mining District

[Sunrise]

Awesome find! Looks like the prototypical for countless movies.

[josta]

Amazing photos, really! Thanks! And so close to us...we'll have to try and find it when it warms up...

[Norman Johnson]

Yeah, I know, I messed up the thread, but someone warned me that I had said too much, so that looters could be tipped off.

My bad.

NJ

[josta]

We visited this mine last week and it remains unchanged except for the now-lack of snow on the ground. We found doors that were apparently earlier used in an attempt to seal it, but they were pulled off the hinges; one of them can be seen in Norm's picture of the "Y" in the rails inside, and another was used as a "bridge" across the creek at the back of the mine.

Many of these mines in this area were, according to the book, "The San Jacintos", worthless or near worthless. A lot of them were "salted" by using gold dust-filled shotgun shells, shot into the walls of the mine to give the appearance of gold being in the walls to dupe "investors".

[JoeZona]

Many of these mines in this area were, according to the book, "The San Jacintos", worthless or near worthless. A lot of them were "salted" by using gold dust-filled shotgun shells, shot into the walls of the mine to give the appearance of gold being in the walls to dupe "investors".

Ahh, the good old days! When a swindle could be so simple...now it's evolved into BIG business. Huge corporations and our government in cohoots together...a guy just can't compete anymore! Attachment 6144

[Norman Johnson]

It is good to see that the place hasn't changed in the last year. The mountains are nice right now. We had just the right amount of rainfall at the right times so that this year's wildflowers have been the best in a long time.

NJ

Below is an orchid, Piperia transversa, that was abundant under the pines last weekend in Idyllwild. It was the first time I had ever seen one.

[lrp1025]

Any chance you are willing to share more details on location? Going to be exploring that area this weekend and would love to check it out. Thanks!

I agree. And the weird thing is, that the mine is fifty feet from a county road in a well traveled area. Why isn't that ore cart in somebody's front yard right now?

NJ

[Norman Johnson]

Any chance you are willing to share more details on location? Going to be exploring that area this weekend and would love to check it out. Thanks!

The area was devastated by a fire several years ago, but before that most of the mining equipment including the cart had disappeared. There are probably places much more interesting to visit. Send me a private message.

Norm