Hike Through History shows a section of Butte many have never seen

The Butte Archives and Butte-Silver Bow Parks and Recreation Department recently put on a fascinating Hike Through History in the old Mining District focused on the area of the Bell Diamond Complex, just south of the Granite Mountain Memorial.

The Diamond Mine Headframe is fascinating in and of itself.  The mine shut down in the 1920s and where once stood a bustling works, all that remains is the headframe and auxiliary hoist house which now sits on the north ridge of the Berkeley Pit.

This area of land has generally been off-limits to the general public and for good reason.  None of this area has been reclaimed and the goldish hue of the ever-present mine waste surrounds everything.  But reclaimed or not, what a fascinating quarter mile walk to the normally restricted north viewing area it is, and what a breathtaking sight it is at the area itself.

The turf is like something out of a science fiction movie but the view is incredible.  Especially when you get to the main viewing area.

The view of the Berkeley Pit is mind blowing.  Not just the view, but the eerie silence.  It's like a ghost town.  Speaking of which, from this vantage point what remains of the McQueen area is very visible with some old, deserted streets peering through.

The north edge area of the Berkeley Pit has so much to see.  What's really amazing is that within the works stands a lesser-known Butte Mine headframe, one that many don't even realize exists.  The Modoc headframe still stands, but just barely.  Other structures are not so lucky and have fallen victim to time and erosion.

On the west end of the pit you can see Shields Avenue and the official Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand, just a brown speck from this distance. right below the heavy equipment on display.

Even though the north viewing area is generally closed to the public, an interpretive sign stands on site.

The tour was simply amazing and a big shout out to Ed Heard and Abby Peltomaa of Butte-Silver Bow for their hospitality and insight.  When this tour becomes available again in the future, I highly recommend you take advantage.