There are a lot of mining claims in Montana and especially in this area. In the old days, people could claim 20 acres of government land, mine it and even get full ownership of the property.
There are always some of these for sale. Some you can drive to others are remote and are hike in only. I had a chance to buy one of the hike in only type at very good price. The claim was patented in 1924 and the name is the Emily C. We will probably keep it for a year or two and possibly sell it.
You can drive a car to within about 1.2 miles from the claim. You can ride an ATV to within about 400 yards of it.
Here is a view from the property.
Lots of trees and boulders.
Lots of wild flowers!
I didn't know it had a stream on it when I bought it. That is real bonus!
Here is the mine entrance (collapsed).
There are some old relics around. I found this ore bucket nearby.
And this anvil. It is heavy! There was no road to this claim, everything was brought in by pack animals.
Here is some of the ore that was laying near the adit. I am sure there is no potential to find any gold nuggets since the mines in this area required chemical processing of the ore.
Near another claim, my friend ran across this old ore cart.
I took this picture this morning while driving in. There is a moose.