A year ago, I wrote about Shaffer Mountain, but I really did not do it justice. For those who may not be quite familiar with it the mountain separates Honey Lake and Secret Valleys, and on its southern base is the community of Litchfield.
The mountain was so named after the Shaffer Brothers—Uriah and James. Their first business venture in the region was a warehouse at the then booming mining town of Richmond. On September 8, 1862, the Shaffer Brothers purchased the 1280-ranch of George Lathrop for $4,250. (This property known today as Mapes Ranch a few miles east of Litchfield). The place was located along the Nobles Emigrant Trail and Lathrop had a station there to cater to the travelers. In time, it became known as Shaffers Station. Trade there for a time was brisk, but that quickly changed with the transcontinental railroad to the south, and travel on the Nobles Road was greatly diminished. Making matters worse, the area was in a depressed economy. The property was auctioned off in two different transactions Thomas French and Andrew Litch became the new owners. The Shaffer Brothers moved on and it is not known whatever became of them.
The mountain at an elevation of 6375’ does provide a stunning view of the region. The California Division of Forestry took note of this fact and established a fire lookout there in 1931. The lookout remained in operation until 1949, when it was replaced with Landon Lookout near Eagle Lake.