Although nothing remains of the town at Black Lake, the drive to and from the site is well worth the time. In its rugged mountain setting, Black Lake is one of Idaho’s most beautiful lakes accessible by road. The scenery is especially beautiful in the springtime with the slopes of Smith Mountain blanketed with wild lupines and the many rushing streams fed by the melting winter snows. The mine tunnel is located high above the lake. The ore was carried by a cable tramway clear across the lake and on down to the mill. The climb up to the mine is well worth the effort for it presents an awe-inspiring view of the lake. The huge mill below Black Lake was scrapped during World War II and only its foundation walls remain.

Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.