Sumas Mountain - Gold Mine Trail — Tuesday, May. 12, 2020

Was originally going to a different Hike (Sumas) but google maps took me to a parking log full of 18 wheelers. The trailhead is at the end of the road with maybe room for 2-3 cars at a time. It was raining gently at 830 when I started the hike in, loads of snails and slugs to dodge and also admire. I wore my waterproof keens ( very muddy at first)  and brought poles which were a big help, recommended as its mostly up up up. Once i crossed the creek and made my way along the trail for 10 minutes  up to a divide going left or right I chose right which took me along to the rusty old Mine cart ( left goes to an old cabin) , which was fortunate. ( THERE ARE NO SIGNS) If you go down the steep hill from there, you'll find the Gold mine creek. I stood around there for a bit, Its lovely to listen to the water and birds singing. I was still wanting to find the Gold mine, so headed up the hill and took the high road there, which did in fact bring me to the Mine shaft which can be seen from across the river/creek. I approached the opening,  and that old familiar Flight or flight kicked in , realizing it could be a den to some large animal (Sasquatch) , I briskly walked (fled) back to my van singing some Yaima trying to calm my mind. Cell service entire time. Saw no other hikers. The forest here is beautiful, I will most certainly go back for a longer hike in the near future.