This abandoned coal mine near Fernie (first opened in 1943) is an offshoot of the Coal Creek Heritage Trail and can be accessed in a couple hour hike (round trip). Tunnels into the underground have collapsed but there is a lot of infrastructure left for exploring (conveyor building, ventilation fans, electric hoist).
The access to the Mine #9 trail is off Coal Creek Rd. Unfortunately, the road is blocked off a few kilometers shy of the trailhead and there is no great parking near the trailhead. The most logical parking location is at the rifle range. This leaves 3.5km of travel along Coal Creek Rd before the trailhead can be reached. A bicycle is the logical option to cover this distance. A heritage trail parallels the road as an alternative peaceful route.
If heading out on foot from the rifle range, a short but steep bushwhack can reduce the journey (see map). This does involve a river crossing and some steep uphill forested scrambling.
An adventure to Mine #9 can be combined with a visit to a nearby Ammonite Fossil.
