Ever since our last trip to the Ochoco’s to see the old cinnabar mines in the area, I’ve wanted to go back. October is my favorite time of the year to travel, especially to explore forgotten places. It just seems fitting with the cooler days, the breathtaking autumn colors, and the air of mystery that comes with these old haunts.

On our way to the mines, we passed this old one room schoolhouse. From what I have read about it online, this is not the original location of the school, and it was moved here to save it from being demolished. The school was named after the old Howard cinnabar mining district, owned by Jimmy Howard. (Restore Oregon)

Howard Schoolhouse

The last time we visited the Blue Ridge Mine, we do not see this awesome old car out in the woods! Needless to say lots of photos and silliness ensued. 🙂

Old Car at Blue Ridge Mine

We all took a turn “driving” this awesome old rodder.

This old car sure has a nice view. Autumn is definitely starting to make it’s appearance.

I seriously can’t get enough of this place. Between it’s ominous name and stature, it’s like one of those places you see in horror movies that you know you shouldn’t go in because who know’s what’s lurking inside, but also just beckons to be explored. The Four Horseman Hotel served as a boarding house for the local miners who worked at the Blue Ridge Mine. I’ve heard rumors that this place is haunted, but no ghostly apparitions this time around.

Four Horseman Hotel and Blue Ridge Mine

Here are some photos of the Blue Ridge Mine processing plant, and some more photos of the Four Horseman Hotel .

As we were leaving the Blue Ridge Mine area, and heading down the road to check out the Independence Mine, we didn’t get very far when my sister yelled out that she saw a cabin. We hit the breaks and pulled over to check out this really neat old structure. Perhaps it housed miners back in the day, or maybe a family.

Old Cabin

There are quite a few buildings still standing at the Independence Mine, including a couple of cabins, a camp kitchen, the processing plant, and a double-seater outhouse.

Independence Mine

The Mother Lode Mine stands out pretty prominently from the hillside it is perched on. It is definitely in the best repair compared to the other mines. We had an awesome time taking a peek at the inner-workings of this beauty. For a little bit more about the history of these places, you can check out my previous post from our first visit out here, Mines of the Ochocos.

The Mother Lode Mine