In April of 2024, we embarked on another camping adventure.  This trip we were headed toward Hedley, BC in the Similkameen to Pickard Creek Recreation Site.  We discovered Pickard Creek campsite the previous month and were eager to return to this scenic area to explore an abandoned mine and ghost town!

Friday Afternoon: Heading to Pickard Creek

We set out Friday afternoon once we were both done work for the day, taking the 1.5 hour drive from Kelowna to Hedley. To our delight, we managed to secure the same campsite as our previous visit.  A beautiful site nestled among the trees with a picturesque view of the Similkameen River. The weather was noticeably chillier this time, but we were well-prepared with our Big Agnes Hotel 2 tent, thermal sleeping pads, and MEC sleeping bags, ensuring we stayed warm and comfortable throughout the night.

That evening, we warmed ourselves by a cozy fire and enjoyed a dinner of dehydrated Chili Mac, a homemade meal I prepare in advance using our dehydrator. These meals are perfect for relaxed evenings around the campfire.  Just add hot water and dinner is ready.....no cleanup required!

Saturday Morning: A Frosty Start & Mine Exploration

The next morning greeted us with a brisk -2°C temperature—brrr! Thankfully, our tent kept us warm through the night.  Once Dan had the fire going, we were nice and warm. However, even though the sun was shining that morning, the weather was supposed to be even colder the following night so we decided to pack up after breakfast.  But we were not going to head home before exploring the area!

Our first stop was a ghost town marked on our digital Backroads Map. However, upon arrival, we discovered that the site no longer existed—it had been replaced by an operational open-pit mine.  So, we redirected our plans and headed towards the French Mines, eager to explore both the upper and lower mine shafts.

We drove to the lower mine first, but about 15 minutes from our destination, we encountered a washed-out road with large rocks blocking the path. Leaving our truck parked safely, we hiked the rest of the way. Soon, we spotted old mining artifacts, including a well-preserved ore chute cascading down the steep hillside.  With our new flashlights in hand, we ventured into the lower mine shafts, spending around 30 minutes exploring inside the mine.

Next, we drove to the upper French Mine, where we discovered massive caverns large enough to drive a truck inside! Along the way, we chatted with a few others that were exploring the mine as well.  They had walked from the lower mine to the upper adits in search for an underground river!  We have never heard of an underground river in the French Mines.  Despite our curiosity, we never found any sign of it.

Exploring abandoned mines is dangerous, see below for some safety tips:

Mine Exploration Safety Tips

Exploring abandoned mines can be an incredible adventure, but safety should always be the top priority. Here are some key mine safety tips:

• Never go alone – Always explore with a partner or group in case of an emergency.

• Bring proper lighting – Carry multiple flashlights and extra batteries, as mine shafts can be pitch dark.

• Watch your footing – Old mine floors may be unstable or covered in debris.

• Beware of bad air – Some mines can contain toxic gases or low oxygen levels; avoid enclosed spaces without proper knowledge and equipment.

• Avoid climbing unstable structures – Ore chutes, ladders, and old wooden beams may be deteriorating and unsafe to climb.

• Mark your route – It’s easy to get lost in a maze of tunnels, so keep track of your entry point.

• Respect history – Leave artifacts and structures as you found them so others can enjoy these historic sites.

History of the French Mine

The French Mine is one of the many historic mining sites in the Similkameen region. Originally established in the early 1900s, it was a significant producer of gold, silver, copper and other valuable minerals. Unlike some other mines in the area that were short-lived, the French Mine saw periods of operation spanning several decades with varying levels of success.

The site is known for its large underground workings, some of which remain accessible today. Mining operations here relied on tunnels and adits, with ore being extracted and transported via ore chutes and tramways. Evidence of these structures can still be seen throughout the site which is very cool to see.

As with many mines of the era, the French Mine was abandoned due to a combination of declining ore quality, economic downturns, and the dangers associated with underground mining. Today, it stands as a fascinating relic of British Columbia’s rich mining history which attracts many explorers, history buffs or those just enjoying the backroads and an opportunity for a great photo of their 4x4 vehicle in the mouth of the giant adit!

Exploring Coalmont & Blakeburn

Our next destinations were Coalmont and Blakeburn just a short drive from Princeton.  Coalmont is a very unique town and Blakeburn, a ghost town, which is located three miles up the mountain from Coalmont.  Blakeburn’s remnants are scattered with only a few traces of its past such as an old gas station foundation, tennis court foundation, and a garbage pile likely from the former cookhouse. On a later trip we discovered additional hidden relics, including the remains of the shower house and overgrown cabins tucked away in the forest. Unless you know where to look or take the time to look closely in the forest these remnants are easy to miss!

We’re eager to return later this year to track down the tram towers which once carried coal down the mountainside to Coalmont.  We have heard that a couple of them remain waiting for us to find them!

The Unique Town of Coalmont

Coalmont was founded in 1911 to support the nearby coal and platinum finds. Unlike Blakeburn, Coalmont has never been fully abandoned and still has a small population. At its peak, the town featured hotels, saloons, and a bustling mining economy.

Four original buildings still stand:

• The Coalmont Hotel (rumored to be haunted!)

• The Meat Market

• The General Store

• The Livery

While exploring, we met a local resident who shared a wild story about an attempted murder in a telephone booth. We looked it up later and turns out it’s a true story!

Photo Credit: Princeton Museum and Archives

Taking the Scenic Route Home

For our final stretch we took the Hedley-Silver Plate Road.  The road takes you past the French Mines and winds up and over the mountains with some beautiful views.  We were in search of the Silver Plate townsite which was located on the top of the mountain.  Turns out nothing remains of the town itself but we did locate a small cemetery at the mountain’s summit. This scenic route led us through Apex Ski Resort before bringing us back into Penticton.

Another Amazing Adventure in the Similkameen

What a weekend! We love exploring the Similkameen region and are already planning our next trip.  Next time we plan to spend more time at Granite Creek, another site rich with history.

Stay tuned for more adventures!