Monumental Summit, Thunder Mountain, Cinnabar Mine OHV Trail

Take the Riordan Creek Road to Hennessey Meadow and then over the mountain to the south edge of the Stibnite Mine. The last two miles of the trail to the Stibnite Mine are rocky, rough, tight cornered, washed out, and brush choked. It is signed for ATV by the USFS, but it is recommend it for anyone. After the last section of trail, continue over Monumental Summit and head pass several old gold/silver mines before arriving at the ghost town of Thunder City. At Thunder City you will see old structures wrapped by fire retardant materials. This is due to a nearby forest fire (Thunder City Fire) in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Head towards Dewey Mine where you can photograph and record the mine and the forest fire. As you depart the Dewey Mine, go pass the mine diggings at the Venable and Sunnyside Mines on Thunder Mountain, then you will arrive at the peak of Lightning Peak. As you return to Monumental Summit, take the switchback trail to the Cinnabar Mine and the ghost town there. This is a must visit for anyone in this area. The old mercury mill is still mostly intact and there are fifteen or twenty wooden structures in various stages of decay. Several of the structures are multi-storied and all had wooden ladder fire escapes. Some had several. In the era of wood stoves, fire was a big concern. The technology of seventy years ago is not as advanced as of today. Leaving Cinnabar, follow the Cinnabar Creek Road to Sugar Creek and to its confluence with the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. Then parallele the river to Yellow Pine and the Johnson Creek Road back to camp. If you stay off the Riordan Creek Road portion, this is a safe trip for about anyone. There are great views of mountains, clear streams, and the E.F. of the S.F. of the Salmon River. There are also a number of historic old mines to visit and photograph.