I am at Wagonhammer, Now What? May we suggest a visit to Bayhorse Ghost Town!
Bay Horse Ghost Town and Bayhorse Lake is one of many choices for a wonderful day venture from your Destination RV Park, Wagonhammer. Abner & I and our good friends and neighbors Phyl & Ron planned a one day outing to explore.
Time for fishing on Bayhorse Lake
Bay Horse is nestled in a narrow canyon where Beardsley creek merges with Bayhorse Creek just 4 miles north of Highway 75 just beyond The Yankee Fork Visitor’s Center. In 1864 prospectors met a man with two bay horses who told of rich mining ground. The rich silver and copper mines drew hundreds of people in search of wealth and for a time bayhorse prospered. Today, the town is a collection of forgotten memories.
In 2006, Bayhorse became a unit of Idaho’s State Park System. On arrival the State park volunteers were very helpful and informative. The walking tour is well marked with good signage.
My favorite was the “Wells Fargo” Stone Building which is very much in tact. The old mill still stands with an impressive series of elevations. There are twelve structures on the walking tour with interesting stories to accompany each site.
Wells Fargo Building withstood time
As we headed towards Bayhorse Lake of great interest are the remains of the original charcoal kilns that were used to supply the fuel for the Bayhorse smelters. As we were traveling the four miles to the Bayhorse Lake we observed more evidence of mining history.
Coke Kiln remains
Bayhorse Lake is a beautiful Mountain Retreat where we enjoyed a picnic lunch. We found good tables in shady areas overlooking the serene lake that is stocked with rainbow trout.
On our way back to the park we checked out the old May towsnsite with remants of the past. It is always a pleasure to have our friend Phyl, the historian as our guide as she has many fond memories of her childhood in the beautiful Salmon Valley.
Fragments of the past at May townsite
We left for the park at 9 a.m. and were back by 4 p.m. so this is a perfect day trip. Idaho’s beauty, richness of history and the friendliness of the people is what makes “Wagonhammer” a destination park.
Come stay at beautiful Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground in North Fork, Idaho. We are a beautiful destination park located along the Salmon River. Where it is our pleasure to guide you to wonderful day trips nearby.
Call us at 208.865.2477 to reserve your spot!