Bohemia Mining District

There are a variety of opportunities to enjoy your time in the Bohemia Mining District. With a gold mining history dating back to the mid-1800s and remnants of the historical buildings remaining today, it makes for a nice Sunday drive. The U.S. Forest Service manages two recreation rentals in the area; Fairview Peak Lookout Tower (available June, July and October) and Musick Guard Station, which is on the National Historic Register (June through October). Hiking the Bohemia Mountain Trail (0.8 mile) or staying at the Fairview Peak Lookout Tower offers you breathtaking views in every direction. On a clear day you can see Mt. Hood to the north, Mt, McLaughlin to the south, and a whole host of peaks to the east. In the Bohemia Saddle area, the wildflowers and butterflies are abundant from late June though early August.

Celebrating the history of gold mining is a tradition in the community of Cottage Grove. A festival, Bohemia Mining Days, is held the third weekend in July. 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of this event. Small-scale mining operations continue today in the Bohemia Mining District.  The local mine owners association hosts “Mining 101″ workshops in the summer to teach budding prospectors technically and environmentally sound mining practices. The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have designated areas in the district that are available for recreational mineral collection from July 1 to the middle of October. This offers an opportunity for anyone with access to a gold pan to test their skills or just to imagine what it was like to be an early settler in search of the elusive and beautiful yellow metal.

• Seasonal availability (June through October)