P a g e 3 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r FARLIN Farlin, Montana had its origins in 1864 when rich ores were first discovered in the Birch Creek Mining District of the Pioneer Mountains. The mining claims produced silver and copper, but would not be seriously mined until years later. In 1875 the owners of the claims returned to begin developing mines on the claims, but like the nearby mines in Coolidge, the area lacked an economic form of transportation for shipping the ore to make the mines profitable. Even once the Utah and Northern Railroad laid track between what became the town of Dillon and Butte in the 1880’s, bringing more miners with them, the area still failed to become a boom town like others in the area. Eventually a smelter was built to process the ore along with the typical establishments including a general store, school, butcher shop, and post office. At its peak, the town reached a population of 500 hardy souls. By 1906 the mining operations were in financial trouble, the mines began operating only intermittently and by 1923 mining ceased. Today you can visit the ghostly remains of the school, butcher shop, a few cabins and scattered mining relics. Getting There: Farlin is located about 20 miles northwest of Dillon. Continuing your loop from Bannack, head east on Hwy 278 until you reach I-15. Head north on I-15 passing through Dillon (good spot to resupply) on I-15 to Exit #74 (Birch Creek Road). Head west on Birch Creek Road about 7 miles to reach Farlin. You will reach the first buildings of Farlin at N45° 23.565 W112° 48.824 Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Camping: There are a couple small rustic campgrounds and boondocking opportunities farther up Birch Creek Road past Farlin for those that don’t mind driving their RV down a long dusty road. The nearest developed campground to Farlin with easy RV access is Glen Campground which is a free fishing access site operated by Montana Fish and Wildlife. If you will just be passing through and looking for somewhere to drop the RV while you take your tow vehicle or dinghy to Farlin there is an open area near a stock corral with room to turn around and park your RV just east of exit 74 on Birch Creek Road at N45° 22.704 W112° 42.284 In the next installment we will head up the road to an assortment of remote mining camps and related ruins west of Melrose, Montana where social distancing is assured! By Dave Helgeson for https:// northwestrving.com/ Dave Helgeson is the MHRV Show Director. He and his wife love to travel across the west in their RV. Dave writes about all things RVing but loves to share destinations and boondocking advice.
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