Claustrophobic Crawls, Bones, and a Rusted Ore Car - Exploring Two Gold Mines in Las Flores Canyon

North of Altadena, Califoria lies the beautiful Las Flores Canyon. Gold was first discovered here in 1881 by prospectors Redway and Wood. However, they quickly determined there was not enough gold to mine economically and they abandoned their claims. Four years later, the Las Flores Water Company was incorporated to provide water for residents in the valley below. The Las Flores Water Company obtained water by building dams and driving tunnels into the walls of the canyon. This was a common practice in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, as water was extremely scarce and valuable (Keep in mind this was before the Los Angeles Aqueduct). Water tunnels essentially acted as horiontal wells, and had the benefit of not requireing pumps to remove water. The Las Flores Water Company still exists today, and provides water to over 1000 residents. However, none of the tunnels are currently being used for drinking water.

In 1892 gold mining commenced once again in the canyon, this time on a much larger scale. A company was formed by William Twaddell to explore the "Pasadena Mineral Vein", a gold bearing zone that could be traced through Los Flores Canyon and several canyons over. Adits and shafts were dug and a mill was planned, but ultimately the venture was a failure. All operations ceased in 1894. The gold mines were eventually purchased by the Las Flores Water Company, and some were converted into water tunnels.

In this video, me and my friend Matt explore two of the dozen or so gold mines/water tunnels in the canyon. The first tunnel we explored is known as the McNally Tunnel. It's named after Andrew McNally, co-founder of Rand McNally Maps, though, it isn't known how he was involved with the tunnel. The tunnel requires one hell of a crawl to get into. At one point you have to stick your arms out in front of you so you don't get wedged in. After about 35 ft. of crawling, the tunnel finally opens up enough to sit up. Continuing deeper in, the tunnel gradually gets taller and eventually ends at a large concrete bulkhead with protruding water pipes. According to maps, this tunnel continues 250-300 feet farther. It would be really amazing to see what lies behind the bulkhead (besides the water of course).

The second mine we explored is known as the Twaddell Tunnel or Twaddell Mine, named for William Twaddell. According to claim maps, this was located on the Golden Starr mining claim, the most developed in the canyon. There used to be an inclined shaft nearby, but I imagine it is filled with debris from the stream. Like the McNally Tunnel, the Twaddell Mine also requires a tight belly crawl to get in. Although shorter, this one is a lot more painfull. The tunnel continues in 400-500 and contains the bin of an old riveted ore car. It's really strange to find something like this so close to LA. Obviously it can't be removed now but there was a time when this tunnel was much more open. Apparently, someone was able to haul away the chassis and wheels before the opening became too tight. Located farther back are some bones. One of them is strung up on a shoelace and seems to be covered in blood. I don't know how they got in there, but I do know this canyon is rumored to be "haunted". This of course, attracts all sorts of characters who do their weird rituals or whatever. This definitely isn't the first time I've seen creepy decorations in mines. I guess that reminds me, Happy Halloween!

Видео Claustrophobic Crawls, Bones, and a Rusted Ore Car - Exploring Two Gold Mines in Las Flores Canyon канала Forgotten Mining History