Sardine House was the residence of the ditch tender who kept an eye on the ditch from Lower Sardine Lake to the Sierra Buttes Mine. In 1886 the owners of the Young America Mine completed a road to Sardine House and then on to the mine. The former location of Sardine House is at the current intersection of the road to the Lower Sardine Lake and the road to Packer Saddle. Today, where the road forks, there are two trail heads.
A photograph of Bassett's Station (circa 1880) shows the road to the Mountain Mine
Photographer unknown
The Mountain Mine Road
On the south side of the road split is an enormous roundish boulder with a dirt road originating at its base. This is where you park and begin walking south – it's impossible to get lost. The road crosses Sardine Creek which can run high but there's always a constructed way across the stream.
Trail map to the Mountain Mine
Almost any hiker can manage this 6-mile round trip with a 1,450' elevation gain. It's on a scenic road to the Mountain Mine, which sits just below the summit of Sierra Buttes. Parts of the road are supported by dry stacked rock retaining walls and other segments are blasted into the hillside. This is a splendid big-sky walk with views of the North Yuba, Flume Creek and the Sierra Buttes. The road is rocky so it's important to wear appropriate shoes and there is little shade therefore a hat and sunscreen is advisable.
 |
| Volcano Lake |
On the way up is crystal clear Volcano Lake at 6,350' situated at the end of a short spur road and definitely worth a visit. It can be also be the destination for a shorter day hike. Volcano Lake is on land purchased by the Sierra County Land Trust who continue to buy land for the public to enjoy in the Sierra Buttes-Lakes Basin area. We appreciate it!
 |
| The Sierra Buttes and Flume Creek |
The setting of the Mountain Mine is incredible. It's in the steep and barren Flume Creek drainage originating on the east side of the Sierra Buttes. There is little to see now because harsh weather conditions have eliminated any standing structures. In 1885 it was owned by Henry Warner of Sierra City.
 |
| A quartz ledge at the Mountain Mine |
According to the 13th Report of the State Mineralogist (1896) they mined five quartz veins thought to be an eastern extension of the Young America ledge by using three tunnels, two of which pass entirely through the ridge. Ore was delivered to a 40-stamp water-powered mill by a 6,000' long wire rope tramway carrying 400 pound buckets. Power was provided by a four foot Pelton Wheel using water from a 3/4 mile ditch and flume from Sardine Creek and the North Yuba. The mine typically processed 125 tons of ore daily and employed 55 men but was, at the time of the visit, "temporarily closed by litigation."
In 1905 the mine and mill were still operating and owned by a mining and investment company based in San Francisco & New York (Register of Mines and Minerals for 1905. California State Mining Bureau).
• • •
TAMARACK CONNECTION TRAIL, then overland to YOUNG AMERICA LAKE
The Tamarack Connection Trail is on the north side of the road split and it's clearly marked. By walking this trail to the ridge top and then following the narrow ridge to the southwest it's possible to drop down to Young America Lake. It's a roughly a seven mile hike round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 1,650'.
 |
| View of the Sierra Buttes and part of Lower Sardine from the Tamarack Lakes Connection Trail |
 |
| Trail Map to Young America Lake |
After several switch backs in a forested area the trail climbs gradually to the southwest at about mid-slope for approximately a mile then climbs more abruptly to the northwest via a few switchbacks to a narrow ridge on a northeast-southwest axis. Here you will see a trail to the southwest – take it. It's a pretty good trail for about a mile and then it starts to get sketchy. Basically it gets steeper on the south side of the ridge as you proceed and you want to stay close to this side. There are occasional ducks (stacked rock trail markers) but you can't really depend on them being there. The trail sometimes appears then disappears and you will get glimpses of Tamarack Lake downslope to the northwest.
 |
| This is the ridge line south of the lake showing the notch and chute that offer access. You descend (and ascend) at that small cluster of conifers in the center of the photo. |
Eventually you'll see a dramatic unclimbable spire on the ridgeline – move towards it. Just before you reach it there is a notch where you can climb down to dramatically situated Young America Lake. This is not an easy descent and it's helpful to have gloves to grip the sparse but tenacious vegetation. If you feel that it's too dangerous – trust that feeling and back off – no shame here, call it smart. It's often easier if you have the encouragement of a companion or two but keep in mind that you'll be climbing out too.
 |
| Young America Lake and the Sierra Buttes |
In the basin there are massive slabs of rock strewn about, some of them even tinkle like giant porcelain platters as they rock and bang against each other while you navigate this impressive landscape in which you are nothing but a tiny soft creature. Young America Lake at 7,250' is dramatically nestled in a depression 1,337' directly below the Sierra Buttes. Downslope to the northeast are Sardine Lakes with Haskell Peak off in the distance. This is a stunning landscape in all directions. There are few trees here – you'll be glad that you brought plenty of water. If you take a dip I can assure you that it will be cold because it's pure snowmelt that gets rechilled every night.
 |
| The south wall of the Young America Lake basin |
• • •
