Forest of aspen and pine is now creeping into this town of primitive log and slab homes served by a magnificent collection of outhouses. Named for the Columbine Gold Mine, the town was platted in 1897 by James R. Caron as an 11-acre grid superimposed on an 1881 gold camp. More than a dozen surviving log structures include a log barn saloon with a frame false front, a false-fronted general store, and an abandoned post office.