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Mine Description: Whenever we hike this area we always make a stop at the Columbia Mine. There are a number of adits, shafts and mine openings here (Fig. 02), some even large enough to do a little exploring. Part of the Goodsprings Mining District in Clarke County, the Columbia Mine was located in 1886, though one local report states that a prospector named Von Trigger, mined 10 tons of copper ore as early as 1880. In 1906, the property was bought for $20,000 by Joseph Dederich. The principal workings are two shafts about 800 feet apart, totaling about 500 feet in length. Total production from this mine is estimated to be around 3,000 tons of copper ore.
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| 11/08/2012 Trip Notes: Because this was my third visit to this area, I spent the majority of my time hiking up one of the small ravines that led to a large tailings pile at the top, picking up more than a dozens pieces of malachite. As a result, I didn’t take any pictures here on this visit – refer to the 02/16/2012 trip notes below for more information and pictures of this area. |
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02/16/2012 Trip Notes: I really enjoyed my first hike to this area a year ago and have been looking forward to coming back ever since. The hills and mountains around Sandy Valley and Goodsprings are pock-marked with numerous old mines; some quite extensive while many others are just 10 foot prospect holes. Silver was discovered in the area in 1861. Between 1868 and 1882 lead and gold were also discovered in Goodsprings. Both Goodsprings and the Sandy Valley road area were very active in lead and zinc mining during WW1. However, due to falling demand and prices, by WW2 very few mines remained active.
The above picture (Fig. 01) was taken at the top of the ridge line just past the largest of the mine’s openings, looking northeast towards Goodsprings. Below (Figs. 03 thru 05), are shots taken at the lower shafts. Connected by a short adit, you can actually climb between these two openings. As you continue hiking up the trail to the large shaft at the top you pass two additional adits (Figs. 06 & 07) that are only about 20 feet deep. They appear to have been exploratory digs that never panned out. When you reach the top, you are confronted with the largest of the mine openings (Fig. 08) found at this site. Some exploration of this shaft (Figs. 09 thru 11)revealed a series of branching tunnels that seemed to go in and downward for several hundred feet. This mine is without doubt one of the best places to visit in this area. Here in (Fig. 12) is just another beautiful view from the top of this mountain.
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| (Fig. 08) |
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| (Fig. 09) |
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| (Fig. 10) |
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| (Fig. 11) |
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| (Fig. 12) |
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