Lia,
I think what you are calling a "copper mine" at Rye Patch is really the mine behind the mountains of Rye Patch. That is Majuba Hill and is now owned by Claremont Mines. Its really a weird setup. For years it was for sale and it has questionable deposits. But this company has obtained the claims and leased out exploration rights to New Point Exploration. I think its another mining operation looking to get investors by selling them only "possibilities". if it was truly worthwhile someone larger would have sucked it up and started extracting copper ore. Its another cool place to visit. Along the road going toward Majuba Hill, on the east side was a family home that lived there, and was murdered by a hitchhiker thug back in the 1980's I think it was. There is a nice memorial up on the rocks above. Rye Patch though is area near the lake, for metal detecting. Never had much luck around Majuba Hill.

Hi Leo. Hmmm, I see. I went on internet to nevada -outback - gems.com and it talks about the Majuba mountains. One of these days I'll get there, lol. Thank you for your help, it is much appreciated.

p.s. I think I need a 24x40 building to store all my info, maps, books, rock collection etc., regarding the western states of the USA, lol 😃

Lia

Lia, never been out there, my experience with copper was in the Taylorsville and Genesee area of northern CA. Did some running around in Black Rock Desert back in the late 60's before Burning Man. The crushed tufa they used on gravel roads was a tire makers dream. We had 3 flats in less than 10 miles out of Gerlach heading up toward Alturas. Did a lot of poking around east of Ravensdale out toward Tuledad canyon hunting arrowheads and petrified wood.

My son and I went all over the areas close to Beckwith, that is where we stayed. He lives in Keno. We usually meet there and go on our way to whereever we are headed. There was one of the claims that had burnt area that we couldn't get to. We had a great time anyway. I want to go back to Plumas again. This time we will stay in Quincy and check out that area.

North of Beckwith on 395 there used to be a hillside in a saddle east of the highway that was smoky quartz crystals, with an occasional amethyst. Was dug out and tore up, and closed years and years ago.

Up toward Alturas from Gerlach there was a place that was called Duck Lake. 8-10, 4' holes that went down 20', with homemade ladders. Trees petrified standing up. Some of it looked like and pulled apart like asbestos fibers.

Granger canyon was good for wood too, and even found a pocket of bloodstone once.

Your son's probably knows my club member,. They've been there since forever. Drives a yellow CJ5 with bobbed fenders. Last name of Harris.

I will ask him about your friend. Son has been in Keno for about 5 years. Would love to see these places. Maybe on our next trip to Plumas. Our first trip this year will be to the Medford/Grants Pass area or your area. Not sure how far he will want to go first. My husband goes, but not thrilled with the mining aspect. Usually send him to Casino if there is one around.

One casino about 30 miles north of Grants Pass, one at coos bay, Florence, Lincoln City, and another east of lincoln city. Nothing within 60 miles of me.

Several GPAA claims down there, but haven't been to any of them.

We lived in Salem for years. Last year we went to Canyonville area. Son and I went mining and spouses went to the Casino. Not a safe place at this time though. We stayed there a little too long in the smoke. It was horrible at the time we were there. It was bad in your area then too, I think. Hopefully that is done and praying for no more fires. All my favorite childhood places (Detroit) are burnt. So very sad. Hopefully your area did not suffer that fate. I want to go to your area this year. Probably on the way south.

We had quarter to half mile visibility for a week or so. Got out of Quartzville a day early, as we had no idea of where the fire was. Never got within 25 miles of us. Been wanting to make the Hwy 22/126 loop and see. Yeah, by all accounts Detroit and Gates were virtually wiped out, and Lyons took a hit.

I know this is an old thread but as a newby who wants to try the Patch/Marjuba mtns, can anyone direct me to a location out there to swing in? ANy help to find my first specks would be awesome........

Thank you,

Jim