Golden Gate Mill, California: A Devastating Loss to History

Golden Gate Mill, bunkhouse and double ore bin were a one-of-a-kind treasures in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The 113-year-old structures were stabilized by Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service in 2005. Golden Gate was was the sole remaining stamp mill on public lands in the region.

On the morning of August 29, 2020 lightning strikes caused a fire in nearby Slinkard Valley. The Slink Fire burned out of control despite extensive fire suppression efforts. The historic structures were located in a narrow and heavily wooded canyon and were rapidly consumed by flames.

Roads into the area were closed for two months for firefighting and stabilization efforts. Access to the mill was reopened on October 22, 2020.

Visiting Golden Gate following the fire was heart-rending. What was once a pristine preserved stamp mill is now a pile of rubble. All that remains of the beautiful bunk house is the metal roof. The rare double ore bin is now a discoloration on the rocky hill.

The fire was intense and destroyed most everything in its path. Over 25,000 acres were consumed by the flames. The ash below many of the trees was fine and deep. Stepping into it was like walking through a snow bank. The smoke smell permeated everything. When I got home hours later, hubby said I smelled like a camp fire.

Life is already poking it’s head through the ash. Several springs continued to run and grass is emerging. A few plants cling to life.

The E Clampus Vitus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Service Signs survived the fire.

As it destroyed, the fire revealed a few secrets. The mine shaft sits high above the canyon. Aerial tramway cables can be seen extruding from the rock walls.

A concrete box is located in the canyon across from the bunk house and appears to be the source of a spring.

The fire revealed a third site with terracing where the canyon opens to the valley below.

I visited Golden Gate with friends on the way to Jordan and Monoville.

Visited 11-1-2020, 7-25-2020, 7-4-2020

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References

• Gen Disasters: Lundy, Mono, and Jordan, CA snowslides, Mar 1910
• Gold Explores: Golden Gate Mill
• Historical Marker Database: Golden Gate Mill
• Historical Marker Project: Golden Gate Mill
• Inciweb: Slink Fire
• Western Ghost Towns: Golden Gate Mill
• Wikipedia: E Clampus Vitus

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