The Hidden Treasures of Mendocino County, California

Mendocino County in California is not just famous for its stunning coastline and lush forests, but it's also known for its legendary tales of hidden treasures. From gold-laden shipwrecks to buried safes and stagecoach robberies, Mendocino has a wealth of stories that continue to intrigue treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike.

The Russian Gulch Hoard

The mesmerizing Russian Gulch, a state park known for its headland features, is also home to another lost treasure tale. History suggests that a safe containing a hefty $65,000 was buried in the area following a stagecoach robbery. The loot, however, has never been dug up, adding another layer of intrigue to this picturesque location.

The Lost Treasures of Toby Bierce

In the early 1900s, an elderly stockman named Toby Bierce reportedly came back to his camp near Bierce Meadow with 800 silver dollars. He buried this significant wealth near his cabin. However, he fell ill soon after and died in Redding without ever recovering his treasure. Despite many attempts, this cache of silver dollars remains undiscovered.

The Beegum Creek Gold

Another tale involves two miners who were robbed of their $40,000 gold in the 1860s along Beegum Creek. The robbers were eventually captured and confessed to hiding the gold in a pool of water within a limestone cave along the creek. However, they were hanged before they could reveal the exact location. This treasure remains hidden to this day.

The Unclaimed Poker Winnings

In 1863, eight soldiers engaged in a long poker game using their seven months' back pay as stakes. Lieutenant Jonas Wilson ended up winning all the gold coins, totaling around $10,000. He buried his winnings at the foot of Hamen Ridge at the upper end of Hoaglin Valley near Zinia for safekeeping. Unfortunately, he was killed in battle the next day, and his treasure remains unclaimed.

The Delta Train Robbery

In 1911, a train robbery occurred near Delta. The robbers made off with a large quantity of gold, both from a Wells Fargo box and from the loggers onboard the train who had just been paid their wages in gold coins. Due to the considerable weight, it is believed that a significant portion of the loot was buried in the vicinity.

The Trinity Mountain Gold Dust

In 1856, an express man was robbed of his $17,000 gold dust at the base of Trinity Mountain. The five outlaws divided the gold among themselves and subsequently buried their individual shares near the head of Clear Creek. Although the robbers were eventually captured and $14,000 of the gold was recovered, $3,000 remains uncovered.

The Redding-Weaverville Payroll Ambush

A tragic tale tells of an army payroll detachment that was attacked while en route from Redding to Weaverville. The soldiers buried the gold payroll, but only one of them survived the attack. He marked the location with a rifle and managed to crawl away from the site. Despite his recounting of events before his death, the payroll was never found.

The Blue Cut Stagecoach Robbery

In 1892, John and Charles Ruggles robbed a stagecoach in the Blue Cut. The brothers were eventually captured, and they revealed that they had buried most of the loot near the stage road to Redding on Red Bluff. However, after their confessions, they were lynched by an angry mob, and the treasure remains buried somewhere in what is known today as "Ruggles Boys Gulch".

The Unfound Cave Fortune

A prospector once stumbled upon a cave near Bear Creek, southeast of Redding. Its narrow entrance led him to a treasure trove filled with gold and other valuable relics. He took as much as he could carry and concealed the entrance. However, when he tried to return to recover the rest, he couldn't retrace his steps.

The Massacre at Bloody Springs

A few miles southeast of Pittsville lies Bloody Springs, where an emigrant train carrying $60,000 in $20 gold coins was massacred by Indians. A lone survivor told the tale of the Indians throwing the coins across the gorge for sport. To this day, an occasional gold piece is still found in the area.

The Lost Lassen Treasure

Pioneer Peter Lassen, a wealthy landowner and rancher in the 1820s, is said to have buried his fortune in iron pots on his property near his home at the confluence of Deer Creek and the Sacramento River. Lassen was killed by Piute Indians at a young age, and his treasure was never found.

These treasure tales of Mendocino County continue to inspire and captivate those with a thirst for history and adventure. As each tale unfolds, it becomes a part of the rich tapestry of Mendocino's past, adding to its allure and mystique. Despite the passage of time, the allure of these treasures remains as strong as ever, sparking the imaginations of all who hear their stories.