Gold Bug Mine
An off-trail outing on the Chelan Butte
The Gold Bug Mine is one of many small mines created on the Chelan Butte in the early 1900’s. The entrance to the mine is still open and curious adventurers can explore the underground space. This is an off-trail hike. Watch for snakes as you walk and enter the mine at your own risk.
Background
Historians report just a scant amount of gold was actually found on the Chelan Butte. But enough was discovered to create quite a fervor in 1907. (Learn more by taking a trip to the Chelan Museum.)
I learned of the mine from a friend and have taken several trips with my family. The best times to visit will be in the spring or fall.
Getting There:
Travel up the Butte road and park at the Saddle. Walk down the road extending down the south side of the butte 0.4 miles until you reach the first switch back.
Depart from the road and continue along the ridge another 0.3 miles before turning to the west and following the west slope down into the canyon.
Look for a tailings pile and you will find the entrance to the mine adjacent.
Total distance: 0.85 miles. Elevation drop: 740 ft
Getting Back:
Follow your tracks back up the hill and ridge line to the road. Or head west over the nearest ridge. On the other side you will find a maintained dirt road approximately 0.2 miles from the mine. Follow this road up to the switchback 0.9 miles.
Total distance to switchback: 0.9 miles. Elevation gain: 600 ft
Take Heed
Watch for snakes, especially in the warmer months. I stumbled across a bull snake when hiking with my daughter. Even though they are harmless, I still jumped!
We entered the mine with headlamps and explored the first fifty feet. Enter at your own risk.
