A pack trail was established up Haylmore and Elliot Creeks by prospector Tom Barkley in the 1930s. It was later improved to handle jeeps. Barkley built a cabin and mine works in the upper part of the valley below Twin Lakes. There is still indications of a mine track winding up the south-west valley wall but other signs of his camp are gone. The cabin was destroyed by an avalanche (the steep valley sides are frequently swept by avalanches. In the 1960’s, a back-to-the-land religious group built a small commune in the same area. Their attempt didn’t last long and the ruins of 2 or 3 cabins along with bed frames and other debris can still be found there. Barkley’s initials can still be found carved into a large tree above the confluence of the Halymore and Common Johnny Creeks (Elliot flows into Common Johnny – the latter is named for a native who ran cattle in the nearby valley: cow-man Johnny). The pack trail has been widened over time and is now an ATV / hiking trail.
A pack trail was established up Haylmore and Elliot Creeks by prospector Tom Barkley in the 1930s. It was later improved to handle jeeps. Barkley built a cabin and mine works in the upper part of the valley below Twin Lakes. There is still indications of a mine track winding up the south-west valley wall but other signs of his camp are gone. The cabin was destroyed by an avalanche (the steep valley sides are frequently swept by avalanches. In the 1960’s, a back-to-the-land religious group built a small commune in the same area. Their attempt didn’t last long and the ruins of 2 or 3 cabins along with bed frames and other debris can still be found there. Barkley’s initials can still be found carved into a large tree above the confluence of the Halymore and Common Johnny Creeks (Elliot flows into Common Johnny – the latter is named for a native who ran cattle in the nearby valley: cow-man Johnny). The pack trail has been widened over time and is now an ATV / hiking trail.
Thank you for the great information Chris! It is really appreciated!