Lost River Highway District Begins Work on Trail Creek Road - March 13 2013

The Lost River Highway District began work on Trail Creek Road today, March 13 2013. It is NOT yet open, so, don't try it!  Guest Photo by Patrick Powers.

In addition, the Pass Creek Road is NOT YET OPEN either.

Cold Wet Weather Moving In to Mackay Idaho November 8 2012

Looking toward Passcreek from Smelter Avenue beyond the new River Park Campground on the former Bassick property. November 8 2012 3 PM.

Snow on the Mountains, But None in Mackay, Idaho October 23 2012

 Mine Hill from Highway 93. October 23 2012 (above) and Passcreek from Highway 93 (below).

Forest Fire Smoke Lingers in the Big Lost River Valley - October 4 2012

Kemmer on the Mine Hill with Passcreek in the background this afternoon, October 4 2012.  Our temperature took a deep from near 80 degrees yesterday to around 50 degrees today. In addition, the wind was blowing like a gale from the north AGAIN bringing in forest fire smoke from the the Halstead (179,880 acres 65 % contained) and Mustang Complex (339,380 acres 50 % contained) fires north of us. YES, THEY CONTINUE TO BURN - we need SNOW!

We are under a hard freeze warning for tonight for the first time. Goodbye to gardens in the Big Lost River Valley~

Forest Fire Smoke in the Big Lost River Valley - August 15 2012

Halstead forest fire above Stanley, Idaho smoke in the Big Lost River Valley.

Halstead forest fire drifting down the Big Lost River Valley below Mackay, Idaho

Mine Hill  from BLM Road South Vantage Point.

Click and Double Click to enlarge photos.

Today in Mackay, Idaho - February 21 2012

Inversion holding smog in the Big Lost River Valley January 8 2011

Mt. McCaleb and Mackay from MIne Hill January 8 2011

View toward Passcreek from Mine Hill

Sunny & Warm Looking Toward Pass Creek with Smelter Site Shay Blacksmith and Engine House in Foreground

Bar Road from Pass Creek Road Looking West Toward Mackay

Pass Creek Road from Hidden Mouth Cave July 19 2010

Pass Creek "Creeping Indian"

Pass Creek "Creeping Indian"

Hidden Mouth Cave, Pass Creek, Custer County, Idaho

Hidden Mouth Cave, Pass Creek, Custer County, Idaho

On the inside wall of the Hidden Mouth Cave is a nice example of petrified pack rat dung.

 

Hidden Mouth Cave, Pass Creek, Custer County, Idaho

Hidden Mouth Cave, Pass Creek, Custer County, Idaho

Getting to the Hidden Mouth Cave from Mackay, Idaho. Go on the Bar Road to the Pass Creek Road. Drive through the beautiful canyon. Just as you are exiting the canyon, turn right at the cattle corrals (2 large circular structures). Park there and hike the right trail. The trail is a bit steep until the tree line and then it is very steep after that. The good news is that it is not very far. Scramble over the large downed pine and you can see the mouth of the cave. Hiking this trail is best done with a walking stick, especially on the way down.