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September
12, 2000
The
trail enters the woods and in about 0.1 mile crosses a Mineral Creek
over a fallen log. Climbing for about 0.3 mile the trail reaches
a T-junction. Little Kachess
Trail #1312 goes to the left. The Mineral Creek Trail continues
to the right. Gradually climbing the trail follows an old road,
that in about 1.3 mile brings you to an old mine site. One can see
remains of a cabin, from which a short trail descends to a mineral
spring, with a distinct sulphur scent. Pass the remains of the cabin
a short brushy trail goes to Mineral Creek crossing, that leads
to the mines. Please be careful and do not make attempts to go inside,
the structure is quite old and not safe. In 0.3 mile the trail reaches
another creek crossing, and then gradually climbs for about 2 miles
through the woods, at times entering open slopes, that offer a good
view of the Box Ridge. The trail comes to the creek again, crosses
it and starts climbing steeply for about 1 mile to Park Lakes Basin
(campfires are prohibited in this area), where is splits
into two: the left fork goes to the Upper Park Lake 
with open shores and nice campsites. The right fork climbs gradually
for 0.5 mile to the junction with PCT 2000.
Mineral
Creek Trail provides the shortest access to Chikamin
Lake Trail #1360 and Spectacle
Lake Trail #1306.
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