Trail Overview
Eagle Mine Pass is a privately owned/ locally accessible, Level-2/ Level-3, forest access route with a surface composition of sand, dirt, and native material (ex: leaves, pine needles, pine cones, sticks, branches). This route traces the eastern edge of the Eagle Mine's property, offering access to forested "Two-Tracks", ORV trails, and footpaths within the deep wilderness of the Huron Mountain Range.
Difficulty
Sand, dirt, gravel, grass route typically unmaintained after rain or snow that may give rise to water crossings < 12” and obstacles such as tree/ tree branches.
History
The Eagle Mine near Big Bay, MI, is the only primary underground nickel mine in the U.S. Discovered in 2002 by Kennecott (Rio Tinto), the sulfide deposit was formed 1.1 billion years ago. Despite protests and litigation over its proximity to the Yellow Dog Plains, commercial mining began in 2014. The site is currently owned by Talon Metals Corp. In 2002, mineral companies began heavy exploration in the Yellow Dog Plains, identifying a massive, high-grade nickel and copper ore body. The mine's location near the Salmon-Trout River and Eagle Rock (a site sacred to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community) triggered years of protests, blockades, and lawsuits.2014 Commercial Operations: Under Lundin Mining, construction was completed, and ore extraction began. The mine processes high-grade nickel and copper.
