Old 1880s steam engine near Marty's Camp

John Cassidy et al in “Guide to Three Rivers” describe this engine as likely brought in to operate an overhead crane to move boulders or to run a dragline dredge, all to help find gold in the river. This was likely mounted on a sled base, then the steam engine would pull itself through a winch system – likely all the way from Vallecito!
Most ‘steam donkeys’ were striped of the ships in SF Bay and brought to help mine. Sharon Coldwell in back, in overalls.