Again we find ourselves back at the entrance to the Cobb Estate. This time we won’t be continuing up Echo Mountain though, we will be searching for some abandoned mines. Our mission – hiking the haunted forest to Tunnel 4, an abandoned gold mine.
The area in which we will be hiking is said to have up to 12 tunnels that have been mapped and explored. Some are as shallow as 20 feet, some over 800 feet in length, but seeing as we are not professional cavers, we will not be doing anything silly.
Most of the tunnels in this area may have their origins in the gold and silver mining industry. However, they became more useful and lucrative as transportation systems for water to irrigate Altadena and Pasadena’s orchards.
COBB ESTATE HISTORY
On our way, we pass the remains of the Cobb Estate, which is now merely overgrown landscapes and a few man-made objects.
The original mansion that stood upon these grounds was built in 1916 by Charles H Cobb. The Spanish-style villa had imported hardwoods and was surrounded by eucalyptus, palm trees and lodgepole pines.
Cobb was a Mason and wealthy lumber magnate, when he passed in 1939, he left the property to the Masons who converted it to a retreat for the Sisters of St. Joseph.
It did have several owners after, including the Marx Brothers who purchased the property and all 107 acres of the land. The brothers intent was to resell the grounds for the use of a cemetery, this, of course, never happened.
The estate was even put up for auction at one point. Still, unfortunately, it was razored in 1959 due to neglect and vandalism. In 1971 it became a nature reserve.
You can see why the Cobbs chose this location at the foothills. It is lush and peaceful and has spectacular views of the valley below.
the cobb estate grounds slide show
But as is the case with most historical sites that have been wiped off the map, this area is shrouded in mystery. Including hauntings and paranormal activity, KKK gatherings, devil worship and sacrifices.
Rumours of these activities have been around for decades. However, no proof of any such events exists other than graffiti, and nobody knows where these rumours stem from. Some believe it was when the Marx brothers purchased the property the haunting tales began, but that may be conjecture.
TIME TO CLIMB
Leaving the Estate ruins behind we climb up into the Las Flores Canyon, which means “Canyon of the Flowers.” It was initially named Forsyth Canyon, but it is more commonly known now as the Haunted or Enchanted Forest.
The first landmark we come across is a painted tree with an old drinking fountain in front of it. Here is an excellent picture opportunity, a quick look over the edge here and you can spot old water pipes.
A little further past that and you come across another painted feature, a stone wall. A short distance further and you will behold the most significant monument on the trail — the 200,000-gallon underground water reservoir.
hiking the haunted forest – slide show
That concludes the easiest portion of the trail. Take a moment and enjoy the great views of downtown LA and Pasadena, because after the reservoir the path is no longer maintained. Only foot traffic of those who know how to get to these mines indicates the direction. It gets very narrow, and there are sheer drop-offs at certain points.
PRESS FORTH OR TURN BACK
If you dare to continue on the scenery changes the deeper you venture, taking on an enchanted and haunted feel. A narrow pathway parts the wild grass. Overgrown bushes and twisting tree limbs hang over sheer slopes, enveloping you as you walk past. It is as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Then a haunting remnant of the past looks down upon you.
treacherous terrain Hiking the haunted forest
This is the first tunnel you find on the journey, but you must keep an eye out as there is a small climb to get to it. It’s known as the Buckley Mine.
If it wasn’t for the paint marks we might have missed this one as sediment has piled in the opening, it may not be long before it vanishes beneath the earth.
This tunnel only goes back around 15 feet, and the reason is that it was a test tunnel. That means if you haven’t found what you’re looking for in that distance, it’s time to move to another location.
Sound advice that we will heed and go forth to find what we’ve come to see.
The next portion is a steep scramble down a rock face to a small stream then back up another rock face. If there has been heavy rainfall, this may be the end of the road.
There were signs of many slides and water runoffs that meet at this point. Today the stream was low so we carried on.
along the way
water plant
THE SCENERY Hiking the haunted forest
The sound of small trickling waterfalls makes this portion feel so very tranquil as it is the only sound you can hear. However, on occasion, we did catch a few words or laughs coming down off the Echo Mountain trail from a distance.
At this point, we are nearing the finish line, keeping a keen eye on our footing, but also the hillsides. There are so many fantastic photo opportunities, and it’s so lush, you realise what an incredible spot this is and why there’s such a lure surrounding it.
You walk along the stream, and the hillsides rise around you, the trees branch up and out overhead creating a whimsical canopy. The sun peeks through at intervals bringing the deep vivid greens on the forest floor to life. The largest waterfall on the hike then bursts out of plant-life and rocks, looking like a scene out of Hawaii.
TUNNEL 4 BECKONS
Then off in the distance around a slight bend, patches of ivy gleam like gold in the sporadic sunlight climbing up the valley floor. Leading up to the reason we started on this journey in the first place.
Looming ahead is a dark cavity looking down on us from the hillside in a slightly menacing manner. Once we reach the peak and enter the low lying entryway, we are greeted by trickling water running down the rock face and a squared entrance to Tunnel 4.
We’ve reached our destination
Gold mining in this area dates back to around 1881; this particular gold mine was active from 1893 to 1894 and is approximately 837 feet in length. The original owner and name of this mine, and others around, were lost once they converted to water tunnels.
Now it is merely known as Tunnel 4, which gives it a more ominous feel, and once you peer inside, you get a real creepy vibe.
As the flashlight peers through the darkness, you hold your breath as you wonder just what will be illuminated. The humidity and disturbance of sediments once we entered made it very difficult to get really clear pictures. Still, we did our best to get a few.
tunnel no. 4
OUR TAKEAWAY
As I mentioned earlier, we are not professional cavers, and we were the only two people out here, so we didn’t venture in very far.
These places are such a joy to visit and explore because they are raw and touched mainly by nature. That is how we like it; keep things preserved in their natural state. There is no need to tag your name or leave your rubbish. After all, nature is reclaiming these tunnels slowly. Soon to be lost. Forever!
Hiking the haunted forest – in a nutshell
- Address: Cobb Estate, Lake Street, Altadena
- Free
- Strenuous hike
- NOT SUITABLE FOR DOGS OR CHILDREN – the terrain is uneven with loose rock and sheer drops in some areas. There are fallen trees and boulders to climb over
- Mines are dangerous.
- Wear suitable clothing and boots
- Take insect repellant
- Watch for snakes, mountain lion and bear (we didn’t see any)
- Poison Oak
- No cell service
- Always tell someone where you are going
- Not recommended to hike this trail alone
- We will not give the exact location of this mine. Enough people have graffitied and left their crap there. If you would like to explore, then you’ll need to do some investigating.
- Pack it in – Pack it out – preserve these sites for others
- Be sensible and stay safe
- For more places to discover in and around Pasadena, click the link below.
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