Mining Gold

Sycamore, Empire Cottage, Empire Mine SP, Grass Valley (11/5/21) Steve Arita

Yesterday, Steve Arita went mining for gold at Empire Mine State Park in Grass Valley. He found autumn colors at peak with a few trees past peak, but beautiful nonetheless, He recommends getting there quickly to see the best of the remaining color.

Maple Lane, Empire Mine SP, Grass Valley (11/5/21) Steve Arita

One exception is “Maple Lane,” a one-lane road that is surrounded by tall maples. “Most of the trees were lime green, with about 25% at peak.” Steve estimates Maple Lake should continue to improve this week with peak by the end of the coming week.

Empire Mine is described by California State Parks as being “”one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California” During its active life, the mine generated $10.556 billion in gold bullion in today’s dollars.