The Confluence Winter 2001

Rare Mountain Quarries Railroad Slide Presentation

American River Historian and Auburn State Recreation Area Supervising Ranger Mike Lynch will present a detailed slide presentation of the construction and operation of the Mountain Quarries limestone mining claim and railroad on the Middle Fork of the American River. The quarry was founded by the Pacific Portland Cement Company to mine the limestone dike that crosses
the American River below Mammoth Bar. Limestone is a valuable important ingredient in cement. While most of the structures associated with the limestone mining operation are gone, the graceful arches of the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge, built in 1912, continue to provide a grand scenic river portal entry to Auburn. At the time it was built the triple-span bridge was the longest concrete arch railroad bridge in the world. Ranger Lynch, who is also the author of a book on the history of California State Parks Rangers, has compiled an in-depth pictorial chronicle of the operation of the quarry and the railroad. Searching in state archives and obscure postcard shows, Lynch has retrieved views of the construction process, trestles, locomotives, operation of the quarry and more.

Mountain Quarries Railroad Grade Hike

As a follow up to the slide presentation PARC members will lead a hike/scramble on what is left of the Mountain Quarries Railroad grade. While some of the railroad was obliterated by Auburn dam construction, and all the wooden trestles that spanned the ravines have vanished with time and some of the grade is overgrown, it is still possible to scramble/hike most of the railroad grade. Scrambling over uneven terrain skills are essential for this hike. We will meet at 11:45 on Saturday, January 12th at the Overlook Park on Pacific Street in Auburn and hike to the Confluence. If possible set up your own shuttle. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Rain cancels. Call Eric @ 885-8878 to confirm.

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