The Clark Fork River carries more water than any river in Montana. This weekend the river was running hard and fast. With the price of gold climbing higher than $1,500.00 an ounce, we are anxious to reach the upper claims. The road is still blocked by snow. Hope you enjoy these photos of this weekend excursion. The Wildcat and the Gray Lady Down claims are accessible. I will keep everyone advised. We hope to be into the Hard Times No. 1 and 2 by late June.
The mountain slopes are covered with spring wildflowers. From the smallest wild violet to the dramatic wild sunflowers, spring paints a palette in all the colors of the rainbow.
The snow in the high country is melting quickly and the creek is racing down the mountain. The rushing waters carry sediment and move gold. I can't wait to get a sluice box in the creek.
Thanks guys for cutting the road open. This was just one of many downfalls we encountered.
| IN MONTANA |
Mineral County is located in the Northwest section of Montana and is bordered on the West by Idaho. There are several separate, but intertwined communities within the county: The West End (Haugan, Saltese, DeBorgia), Saint Regis, Superior and Alberton. The county contains 1,223 square miles and a population of 4,146.
The majority of the land surface is contained within the Lolo National Forest and located through a narrow valley separated by the Clark Fork and St. Regis Rivers. The Clark Fork River carries more water than any other river in Montana. The entire county is heavily forested with ponderosa pine (the state tree), lodge pole pine, fir, larch, white pine and cedar. The area is high in minerals and contains many unpatented mining claims.
Mineral County became an independent county in 1914, with Superior as the County seat, and boasts a lively history before and since. It has hosted a gold rush, seen the building of two transcontinental railroads, experienced the trauma of the 1910 fire, and witnessed the destruction of several floods of the St. Regis and Clark Fork Rivers.
Great Pictures Lil!!!
Lookin forward to seeing more.
Never too early to put a sluice in the creek
Mike
Posted by: Mike B | May 31, 2011 at 02:13 PM