Entry No. 75 — the Coeur d'Alene file — filed under: ruins

Conjecture Mine

Discovered in 1894, the Conjecture Mine was a historic silver and lead producer in the Lakeview Mining District of northern Idaho. The site once featured a 200-foot inclined shaft and multiple adits, but it underwent extensive EPA and Forest Service cleanup in 2007 to remediate heavy metal contamination. Today, the surrounding area is a quiet, forested landscape along Gold Creek, with the historic mine workings mostly sealed or reclaimed.

The move: Take a scenic drive along National Forest Road 1017 and hike or ride the Conjecture Mine OHV trail, enjoying the rugged beauty of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and spotting the reclaimed areas of this historic mining district.

📍 Before you go The mine site is located on a mix of private property and National Forest System lands, and the underground workings are sealed and dangerous. However, visitors can legally view the reclaimed area from the public NF 1017 Road and the adjacent Conjecture Mine OHV trail.

• 📍 Conjecture Mine
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Conjecture Mine, Idaho 83811, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: response.epa.gov · trailforks.com

last checked: 2026-07-20