Barker Snowshoe Hike and Geology Field Trip

January 21, 2007

• Photo -- Mixes Baldy is the snow-covered peak in the center of the photo.  Clendennin Mountain is on the left.  In the foreground is the site of the former lower tailings pond, which was reclaimed in the summer of 2005.  The mill, a 6 story building, was located at the far end of the tailings pond.  The Barker Railroad Station, the end of the railroad line from Monarch, was not far from where this photo was taken.  Hughesville, where the Block P Mine is located, is 1½ miles up the valley; and an aerial tramway--similar to a ski lift--carried the lead-zinc-silver ore from the mine down to the mill.  The snowshoe hike starts here.
  
  
• Time and Location -- This is a geology field trip and snowshoe hike to look at features in the Barker Area, located in the Barker/Hughesville Mining District.  Barker is 12 miles east of Monarch.  Monarch is 50 miles southeast of Great Falls, Montana, on U.S. 89.  Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Sunday, January 21, 2007 at the Cub's Den in Monarch.  
  
  

  

• The Snowshoe Hike -- The snowshoe hike leaves the County Road at the tailings pond, goes up Gold Run, climbs to the crest of the ridge on the right side of the photo, descends into the Dry Fork Valley, and returns to the starting point.  There is 500 feet elevation to be gained and lost.  The trail distance is about 3 miles.
  Snowshoes will be provided by the trip leaders.  However, participants need to bring their own ski poles.


• Field Trip Leaders -- Dr. David Baker, Earth Scientist in Monarch, and Alex Gavrisheff, Forest Engineer, will lead the hike.



• Registration and Cost -- There is no charge for the field trip; however, prior registration is required. The group size is limited. To register, call Dave Baker at (406) 236-5934 or Alex Gavrisheff at (406) 791-7716 (workdays) or fill out our on-line form.

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