WINTER THEMED SNOWY COUPLE SESSION AT MILL CREEK WILDERNESS IN PRINEVILLE OREGON | LAURA & SHAWN | INDEPENDENT MINE

jerrilynnlatta1
Apr 30, 2024
2 min read

couple dressed in winter clothes sharing hot chocolate while making a toast in the snow

WINTER THEMED SNOWY COUPLE SESSION AT MILL CREEK WILDERNESS

About Independent Mine in Prineville, Oregon

If you're searching for places to have your winter couple's session, Prineville offers an abundance of beautiful backdrops to choose from. One of my favorites being the Mill Creek Wilderness by Lookout Mountain. Through old growth fir and pine thickets, you can see a lonely abandoned cabin in a beautiful pasture. As the trail gains elevation, it meanders through beautiful mountain meadows and reaches the top of Lookout Mountain. Prineville is home to several abandoned mining operations. Historical reports state there were once over 1,ooo mines in the Ochoco National Forest that bore cinnabar, gold and thunder eggs. Today, less than 50 are still open. The most frequented mines are the Mother Lode Mine and Independent Mine. Neither of these locations are currently maintained, but a great place to visit and imagine activities of the past. The Blue Ridge Mine is also a popular attraction for those wanting to explore these sites.

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If you want to take advantage of the full 8 mile loop, you will get to see the various mine set ups, abandoned buildings of the past and breathtaking views of the Ochoco's from Lookout Mountain. If you prefer to hike a shorter distance of about 4 miles roundtrip, there is the Lookout Mountain Upper Trailhead. Last but not least, if that sounds like too much work, you can park at the Upper Trailhead and walk down the road to the hill that overlooks the abandoned cabin. From there you can walk down the hill for easy access to the cabin and other parts of Independent Mine.

couple in winter clothes throws snow in the air and lets it falll around them to imitate it snowing

What kind of views are offered at Mill Creek Wilderness?

If you love forest vibes, tall trees and mossy features, then the Ochoco National Forest provides some of the best woodland views. From green pastures, to mountain views, to abandoned mining operations, Prineville should be your next recreation destination. Not to mention, there's tons of mountain bike trails that supplement the dispersed camping and hiking.