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This is a hike up an old mining/logging road that follows beautiful Trout Creek up to the old Sundown Mine.
Right now this old access road is littered with shotgun shells, shell casings, and other garbage, but this hardly distracts from the beauty of this area. Though lacking in scenic mountain viewpoints, the trail never wanders far from beautiful Trout Creek, whose rushing waters form the audio backdrop.
Hiking 1.5 miles up the FR 6320 brings you to the site of the old Sunset Mine, where principally copper but a bit of silver and gold were mined. From the original concrete mill foundation to the multiple adits and stopes dotted around the area, there are lots of interesting parts to explore.
For a longer hike, continue up the road, where you will find an old wooden bridge over Trout Creek in another half mile. The bridge is a perfect sunny spot for lunch or napping. The road continues on from here for another two miles for the more energetic.
This is a great winter hike due to its lower elevation.
Eventually, the Forest Service intends to convert this old road into a hiking trail. It is not clear, as of now, how this will affect the active mining claims in the area.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Trailhead
