Few People Know About The Missing Treasure Hiding In An Idaho Lake
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 10, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Located in southeastern Idaho, not far from Idaho Falls, is the Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area. This beautiful destination is home to a 4,500-acre lake, wetlands, and a variety of wildlife. While many people know this area as a habitat for waterfowl and other animals, they may not know that it is also the location of missing treasure.
Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area is just over 11,000 acres and is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Here, you will find hunting, fishing, and photography opportunities galore. But what many people don’t know is this lake is home to so much more.
In 1865, a stagecoach headed to Salt Lake City was attacked by the Updike and Guiness Gang. During the attack, four passengers were killed, the driver was knocked unconscious, and $100,000 worth of valuables and $80,000 in gold bullion were stolen.
The survivors recovered and traveled to McCammon, Idaho, where a posse was formed to find the gang and retrieve the valuables. They found the gang near Mud Lake.
The gang realized they couldn’t outrun the posse with so much gold and other valuables in their possession. The posse saw the gang throw large sacks into Mud Lake, believing it was the valuables. They then watched as the outlaws raced out of sight.
The posse was never able to determine the exact location where the sacks were dumped and the treasure has never been recovered. Several treasure hunters have come to the lake in search of the valuables, some searching for several decades, never to find anything. However, in 1901, three bars of solid gold were found but nothing else.
Did you know about the buried treasure hiding in Mud Lake, Idaho? Do you believe the valuables are still there? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And, for more information on Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.
If you find yourself in northern Idaho and are searching for a beautiful outdoor space to explore, check out Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area near Lewiston and Hells Canyon.
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