Rode the loop CW for the first time which gave a different perspective. Like what's the deal with old ship hull? Never noticed it going CCW.
The ore that came out of the Red Back mine(s) was high in sulphur. The ore had to be cooked to reduce the sulfer content before getting sent to the smelter. The prow of the ship is a oven of some sort that was used to burn off the sulphur.
The trench/gully/'canal' that the trail runs parallel to above the 'boat' is a surface mine. There is also a collapsed and flooded shaft that runs several hundred feet into the hill, presumably somewhat under the trail. I'm not sure exactly where it starts and I'm not going to find it.
https://books.google.com/books?id=p...oECBQQAQ#v=onepage&q=sterling redback&f=false
The Red Back ore formation (what the mine was named after) runs for about 4000', pretty much under the Red Back trail up to the top of the hill and little way down the Hutchinson trail. There is another much smaller mine called Alice on the side of Hutch about 1/4 mile form the Redback interesction. There are some pits and other minor diggings that can be seen on the west side of the trail. The biggest one looks like a deep cellar hole.
If you have never been to the visitor center I suggest you stop in. Besides telling the Rangers and Park Manager how much you like the trail, there are some dioramas/displays and other interesting historical things to see there.