Portage Valley View

16
Aug

Portage Valley View

Quincy Mine – along with C&H to the north and Copper Range to the South – were the three biggest mines on the copper range. Their influence was strong and far reaching, lasting for almost two centuries. All three built expansive surface plants, ports, smelters, stamp mills, roads, and a network of railroads to rival any industrial area of the United States. When it comes to railroads, Quincy’s contribution was a short line that ran from its Stamp Mill on Torch Lake to the crest of Quincy Hill overlooking the Portage and the port cities. The Quincy and Torch Lake Railroad.

a view of the lift bridge from the quincy rock pile

We began our exploration on the west terminus – at the mine itself. Just past the majesty of the still-standing #2 shaft-house, we turn onto Kowsit Lats road. A funny name that most locals refer to by a different, but similar sounding phrase. Right near the turn there is a turn off on the right side. We parked the car here, noticing a break in the trees behind us. Walking back to check it out we found ourselves coming out on top of a poor rock pile, hidden from view of the road due to the simple fact that it sits directly up against the hill face. Moving out to the end of the pile, we are greeted with a sweeping view of the valley below – including the Lift Bridge, Portage Canal, and the port cities. To the east Portage lake stretched across the line and further past it the distinctive blue-grey silhouettes of the Huron Mountains can be seen on the horizon. The view here was much better then the scenic turnout just down the road from here – due to the lack of trees impeding the view.

We turned back to the road, and turning down a road marked Roundhouse we were optimistic in finding the beginning of the Quincy and Torch Lake Railroad. And as we looked down the road, we saw the roundhouse right away.

8 Responses to “Portage Valley View”

explorer September 4, 2006

An excellent source of information about the Quincy and Torch Lake Railroad is on Kevin Musser’s Copper Range site. He gives a good in-depth look into it’s history, technology, and purpose. Check it out before exploring it here.

Lacie September 6, 2006

Hey Mike your site is really kewl…i like the pictures. i dont have tons of time right now to read everything so i just wanted to tell u that i did go on ur site and its pretty neat but i cant get the quicktime to work right now i will try later well havew fun on ur trips ttyl love lacie!!

explorer October 17, 2006

Thanks Lacie, glad you like it.

Boone April 4, 2007

there is a resident that lives near the beginning of the trail (from quincy hill) that has been known to call police in recent years when he sees someone he considers “suspicious”. not that you are breaking any laws by being on the old railroad, just be prepared that the police may show up.

explorer April 4, 2007

Boone – the trail itself is not marked as private in any way, although I’m sure someone owns it. Its a good time to note that when exploring the Copper Country you should always respect private property and not to enter property that is posted. No police on our trip, but there was a yappy dog that made sure to announce our presence.

RLG May 11, 2008

Awful website!!!!!!

RLG May 11, 2008

terrible website!!!!!!

explorer May 11, 2008

Thank You.

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