Coal, clay and cinnabar have all been mined from the Gorge area, with coal coming from the Kummer, Gene, McKay beds and

Franklin #10 in past years. Approximately 14 percent of all of Washington's coal is mined here. While many coal seams

traverse the area, only one mine, the John Henry open pit mine, is presently in operation. It is located just outside of the town of Black Diamond. High alumina flint clay has been mined underground in the Kummer area; however, there has been no activity there for many years.

About 20 flasks of mercury were produced from cinnabar mines on the Royal Reward during the late 1950s; however, high

arsenic content and irregular distribution, coupled with the heavy glacial overburden, made this and the Cardinal Reward

difficult to explore. This is now part of the Walter A. Jellum Area.

Flaming Geyser derives its name from the seepage of methane gas from an old test core bored into the underlying coal seams.

The gas, when ignited, creates a small torch flame in a rock pit.

One of the two former YDCC camps is located at Flaming Geyser and has been located there since 1973. It is now available

to the public for group meetings.

In April 1973, the Commission entered into 1) a use agreement with King County Parks to manage 98.4 acres of county land

adjacent to Flaming Geyser, with 4,800 feet of shoreline on the Green River, and 2) easements and agreements with the

Department of Fisheries, Burlington Northern, and Palmer Coking Coal Company.