More Washington State Treasures Just Waiting to Be Found
Washington State, the Evergreen State, is not only renowned for its lush forests, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities but also for the whispers of lost treasures that echo through its history. From the remote corners of Asotin County to the bustling shores of Puget Sound, tales of hidden riches and forgotten mines continue to tantalize treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into some of the most intriguing legends of lost treasures scattered across Washington State.
Asotin County: A Trio of Lost Riches
Nestled in the southeasternmost corner of Washington, Asotin County is a rugged, mountainous region steeped in the lore of the Old West. Here, the ghost town of Rogersburg stands as a testament to a bygone era when gold discoveries fueled boomtowns along the Snake River.
The Lost Shovel Creek Mine: Shovel Creek, a tributary of the Snake River, is rumored to hold the key to a lost mine. The exact location of the Shovel Creek Mine remains a mystery, beckoning prospectors to explore its hidden depths.
The Trio Lost Mine: Not far from Rogersburg, another elusive treasure awaits discovery – the Trio Lost Mine. Legends whisper of rich veins of ore hidden within the rugged terrain surrounding the ghost town.
Charley Maguire’s Hidden Cache: The notorious outlaw Charley Maguire is said to have buried a cache of stolen loot near Rogersburg after robbing a stagecoach. The exact location of Maguire’s hidden treasure remains a closely guarded secret, adding to the allure of Asotin County’s lost riches.
Bloom County: Lars Hanson’s Gold on Vashon Island
Vashon Island, located in the heart of Puget Sound, is known for its tranquil beauty and rich history. In the 1870s, a successful lumberman named Lars Hanson called Vashon Island home.
Lars Hanson’s Hidden Gold: On the banks of Judd Creek, near Burton, Hanson is said to have hidden more than $200,000 in gold coins. The exact location of Hanson’s buried treasure has never been revealed, making it one of Vashon Island’s most enduring mysteries.
Clark County: The Spaniard’s Lost Mine
In the Cascade Mountains of Clark County, rumors have persisted for over a century about a rich mine hidden in the wilderness between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams.
The Legend of the Spaniard’s Mine: According to the tales, an old Spaniard worked the mine in the 1880s, regularly traveling south to The Dalles, Oregon, to deposit his gold at the French & Company Bank. Other prospectors attempted to follow him, but the wily Spaniard always managed to elude them, even resorting to tricks like putting the shoes on his mule backward.
The Mystery of the Yakama Gold: One day, the Spaniard vanished, and local miners wondered what had become of him. A year later, Yakama Indians began appearing in stores, paying for goods with gold nuggets. When questioned about the source of the gold, they remained silent. Rumors spread that the Indians had discovered the Spaniard’s mine.
The Discovery at Spirit Lake: Later, the skeletons of a man and a mule were found near Spirit Lake by Mt. St. Helens, leading to speculation that the Indians had killed the Spaniard. The mine, some say hidden behind a waterfall in a cavern, has never been found, continuing to fuel the imagination of treasure hunters.
Grant County: Outlaw Gold on Sentinel Mountain
In Grant County, within the Saddle Mountain Range, lies Sentinel Mountain.
The Outlaws’ Cave: Legend has it that outlaws buried approximately $30,000 in gold in a cave on Sentinel Mountain, about three miles southeast of Beverly. This hidden cache remains undiscovered, awaiting the next intrepid explorer.
Pacific County: Captain Scarborough’s Treasure at Fort Columbia
Captain James Scarborough, the first white settler north of the Columbia River, built a frontier cabin in 1843.
The Buried Treasure: It is alleged that he buried a treasure near his cabin on what is now Fort Columbia. If a treasure lies hidden there, it must remain undisturbed, as the historic fort is now a Washington State Park, preserving its history and mysteries.
Stevens County: Lost Mines and Hidden Caches
Stevens County, located in northeastern Washington, is home to tales of lost mines and hidden caches.
The Lost Doukhober Mine: Discovered in 1929, the Lost Doukhober Mine is said to be located in the northern part of Stevens County. Ore from this mine assayed at an astounding 1,000 ounces of silver per ton, making it a highly sought-after treasure.
Robbers’ Roost: Another lost cache is said to be buried at Robbers’ Roost near Fruitland. The origins of this hidden treasure remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of Stevens County’s lost riches.
The Highgrader’s Poor Farm Treasure: Near the town of Colville lies the tale of the Highgrader’s Poor Farm treasure. This treasure refers to "Matte," a crude mixture of sulfides produced when smelting gold. It is thought to be buried near an old brickyard, awaiting rediscovery.
Walla Walla County: The Train Robbery at Fort Walla Walla Park
Walla Walla County is known for its rich agricultural lands and historic landmarks.
The Train Robbery: According to legend, bandits stole several gold bars in a train robbery near Wallula in the late 19th century. Intending to catch a boat for Portland, they missed it and buried their stolen cache near old Fort Walla Walla. Later, the bandits were shot before they could reveal the location of their loot. Today, the old fort is gone, and the location has become Fort Walla Walla Park, located at the western edge of Walla Walla, Washington.
Yakima County: Pierre Rabado’s Lost Mine
Yakima County, known for its fertile valleys and abundant orchards, also holds the mystery of a lost mine.
The Elusive Mine: Pierre Rabado’s Lost Mine is thought to be located near Mt. Adams, but it could also be in Skamania County. The exact location of this elusive mine remains a subject of speculation and intrigue.
These are just a few of the many legends of lost treasures scattered across Washington State. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or simply a history enthusiast, the Evergreen State offers a wealth of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. So, pack your bags, grab your metal detector, and embark on an adventure to discover the hidden riches of Washington State. Who knows, you might just strike gold!