Idahoans slowly uncovering 120-year old mining trail By Nicole Blanchard, The Idaho Statesman Published: December 26, 2020, 4:03pm Share: This undated photo shows a view of central Idaho's Thunder Mountain from the south and the reclaimed mining areas that yielded more than 100,000 ounces since mining began there in the late 19th century. (jim collord/Trust for Public Land files) BOISE, Idaho — Idaho hikers and historians have teamed up in an effort to uncover a 120-year-old route used by miners during one of the last gold rushes in American history. Morgan Zedalis, assistant forest archaeologist for the Payette National Forest’s Heritage Program, recently held a Zoom presentation to offer insight on the historic trail.