Highlights
The trail to the Senator Beck mine starts above tree line, passes through a basin full of wildflowers and small creeks, and leads to a well-preserved miners bunkhouse and a delightful lake. In some places the trail is not clearly visible, but that’s not a problem if you are following the GPS track. Wandering around the meadow and following small creeks and obscure tracks is a nice diversion. One of the mines along the way still has a few twisted rails emerging from the collapsed shaft. There are fine views into the Red Mountain and Guston mining districts.
From the bunkhouse you can make a short excursion straight north and gain the ridge overlooking Ptarmigan Lake, or go north and contour west to have a look into Ingram Basin. If you are in the mood for a strenuous outing, you can continue north from the ridge down to Ptarmigan Lake and loop back on the Ptarmigan Lake trail. If you intend to hike the loop, and want to forgo the need for a car shuttle, you can start at the trailhead for Ptarmigan Lake on Highway 550 and head west instead of north. This track will connect with the trail leading to the Senator Beck mine.