Return to Jellum & The Royal Reward Mine

So far this summer, I have managed to hike/scramble my way down into the Green River Gorge at over a dozen different locations - each offering unique and beautiful views.  Kanaska-Palmer and Flaming Geyser State Parks are the most obvious locations with easy access but there are many others that require "local knowledge" to find.  Fortunately for us today, State Parks began acquiring land and easements in 1969 with current holdings in the Green River Gorge Conservation Area totalling in excess of 2,200 acres.  Three State agencies have land management responsibilities here, including State Parks shown in green, State Department of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources shown in pink.  King County also owns a few parcels here.

Hanging Gardens represents perhaps the most well known of the out of the way river access trails.  The top two questions of travelers entering our community:

1. How do I get to the Black Diamond Bakery?
2. How do I find Hanging Gardens?

At least there is a well defined trail and parking area providing access to Hanging Gardens (red gate along Green River Gorge/Enumclaw road).  Some access areas require private landowner permission to cross their property and get to State Parks land.  In other cases, State Parks has an easement across private property that provides public access but you won't find this marked and No Trespassing signs warn us away.  Access to the historic ghost town of Franklin is a perfect example.  This makes it particularly challenging when trying to respect private property but still utilize duly conveyed public access.  The other challenge is the need to use "fishermen's trails" to get to the river.  

Hiking to Jellum is another excellent example of where local knowledge is needed to get to the river.  It has been a couple of years since I was last there so decided to make the trek earlier this week.

Always beautiful once you make it down into the gorge and along the river.  This is the only place I have been along the river where I see red colors in the water - indicative of iron and other minerals?  I had always thought that the trail to Jellum led to the remains of the Royal Reward Mine.  Not true!  The open area in the photo below actually shows the Jellum family homesite, not the cinnabar mine processing area for the Royal Reward mine.  According to parks staff, this is the location of the Walter Jellum "homestead".  On November 25, 1974, a historic cabin once belonging to the Jellum family burned to the ground.  The building reportedly dated to the 1800's.  Section 17 was orginally NP railroad land grant, so if it was a homestead, Jellum may have purchased it from the NP.

To get to the site and river without trespassing on private property, cross the single lane bridge across the gorge to the Green River Gorge resort.  Follow the road up the hill heading southwest and turn left (east) at the sign directing you to Cumberland.  The first gate that you see on your left is where you want to park - lots of no trespassing signs all along the fenceline and you don't want to park in front of the gate.  State Parks has an easement here and is responsible for road maintenance.  It's a nice stroll of about 1.5 miles.  Once you get to the clearing, you can follow a narrow trail to the right down to the river and a bit of a scramble down to the shoreline given a slide that occurred a couple of years ago.  Or follow a lesser trail to your left and work your way down to the river using your explorer instincts.  This is the area that will give you the best views and most shoreline to explore.  Enjoy.

Comments

[Davidw]

I'm wondering what is at the Black Diamond Heritage Area?

[Craig]

That's the ghost town of Franklin.

[Davidw]

Which is listed separately...

[SL]

Hi there,

Not sure if you will see this, but I believe the reddish color of the river is due to the tannins in the water.

Excellent blog!

[Tara Rockey]

My dog Boscoe and I visited the Jellum site for the first time today. I was so excited to find it. I parked by the gate and followed the main road all the way down to the clearing. The route was a little confusing, as we encountered a few side trails and unexpected intersections - but I stuck to what seemed like the main access road.

The narrow path leading to the river was a bit sketchy so I appreciated your warning. It was a scrabble getting down to the river, but the scenic beauty on a frosty clear day was worth it.

On the way back, I had my large dog pose on the old homestead footing for a quick photo.

Thank you for the guide to a fun local exploration hike.

[Craig Goodwin]

Good for you Tara. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Roger Parry]

Hi Craig,
This past week with an increasingly narrowing set of 'getting-out' options, my wife, dog and I walked to the homestead site and ventured down the trail toward the river. We decided to hold-up about half way down the hillside since I wasn't sure what we might encounter this time of year (muddy trail).

On another day we walked the trail down from the gate, taking a fork to the northeast about 20 minutes in. It ends up intersecting a power line access road and trail. We turned back south, allowing us to meet the SE Green River George road to loop back to our car.

[Craig Goodwin]

Hi Roger, good to hear from you. It's a good short hike alternative during these times. Along the middle part of the trail, there is an area I just love - so many ferns. Like a fern garden. Regards