Two Saddles Treasure

The Two Saddles Treasure (also known as the Trinidad Treasure) is one of Washington State’s most enduring lost-gold legends. In 1876, the Welch family returned from months of successful gold prospecting in Canada, reportedly carrying an enormous fortune in gold. Fearing theft while traveling through Central Washington, the family is believed to have buried the treasure somewhere along their route. Despite decades of searching, shifting stories, and modern obstacles, including areas later flooded by dam construction, the gold has never been found. Whether fact, folklore, or a blend of both, the Two Saddles Treasure remains a tantalizing mystery of the Old West.

Reference List

Bragg, L. E. (n.d.). Washington myths and legends: The true stories behind history's mysteries. [Book reference; publication info not provided].
West Coast Historian. (2011, October). Lost Trinidad gold: Legend or truth? Retrieved December 26, 2025, from https://westcoasthistorian.blogspot.com/2011/10/lost-trinidad-gold-legend-or-truth.html
Ghost Towns USA. (n.d.). Trinidad, Washington. Retrieved December 26, 2025, from http://www.ghosttownsusa.com/trinidad.htmWestbank Museum. “Fur Brigade Trail.” Westbank Museum, https://westbankmuseum.com/furbrigadetrail/ Accessed January 4, 2026. Westbank Museum