“we passed several beautiful cascades which fell from a great hight over the stupendous rocks which cloles the river on both sides nearly…the most remarkable of these casscades falls about 300 feet perpendicularly over a solid rock …” The Indians were a constant annoyance, a problem that greatly angered Lewis. The snowmelt/spring runoff was in full tilt causing the Corps much difficulty in “hawking” their perogues/canoes and portaging their gear. The Corps spent April 9th through the 12th 1806 below the rapids (Cascades). So, as I keep one eye on the eighteen-wheelers, I try, with the other, to keep that beauty in focus.Ī few more good pictures, I hope. However, there’s raw, expansive beauty here in the Gorge. The constant racket, rush, and confusion wear me down. Trekking the grinder today, I-84, all the way to Hood River. I’m out to a cool, cloudy morning, and by noon it fairs up and turns most pleasant. But to my good fortune the good weather holds. Kristy talked about the many Native Americans, dear friends she went to school with (a far away glint here), and how their heritage - and hers seems now a mix. Probably helped widen the ruts in the old Oregon Trail, which passed the Cascades. Her family came from Canada many years ago. Her father, grandfather - all lived out their lives here. Kristy was born and raised right here by the Locks. A slow evening, so we talked Lewis and Clark, and Native American history. Had a long, interesting chat with Kristy, waitress at the local diner. Thanks Barbara and Roger, for your hospitality. In ’04 I stayed at the Bridge of the Gods Motel, right downtown, within the shadow of the bridge. They like, and cater to, long distance backpackers (the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail drops off the mountain into Cascade Locks before crossing the Bridge of the Gods on its way from Mexico to Canada). The people here are friendly, a change over the last 200 years. Everything a tired hiker could possibly need or want is within less than five minutes walking distance. ![]() Pilot Rock, Horsetail Falls, a hiking trail, a short walk on the Union Pacific Railroad, the Old Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway, and finally, the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks.Ĭascade Locks is a five star trail town. Lots more pictures today along the Gorge. they informed us that the nations above them were in the same situation…” “This morning we came to a resolution to remain at our present encampment or some where in this neighbourhood untill we had obtained as much dried meat as would be necessary for our voyage as far as the Chopunnish. Natives descending the river “…complained much of the scarcity of food among them. They were also concerned about provisions for their return so hunting parties were sent out. During that time they encamped above the mouth of the Washougal. Much time was spent exploring the lower tributaries of the Columbia, notably the Multnomah (Willamettre) and the Quicksand (Sandy). The Corps didn’t reach the Cascades until April 12th 1806. I think this is going to prove a most memorable journey - thank you dear Lord. My back’s a little sore, the body a tad tired, but looks like the old legs are going to come back under me one more time. I’ve been out here a week now, nearly 150 miles. If you take a moment, you can read my comments about this old road at my September 7th Journal entry for that year. Hiking the Old US30 Highway, built back in the 20s was a memorable part of my Odyssey ’04 trek, and I find it no less enjoyable today. ![]() This is a very short hiking day, comparatively, only around seventeen miles, but I tire from climbing around, plus carrying a heavier pack (it rained last night and I slept through - yes, I hadn’t rigged my fly - everything I have is soaked!). ![]() I detour from Old US30 to trek along one of the trails for a distance. Indeed, this area I’m passing today has the highest concentration of “high” waterfalls, more than any other place in North America. They climb along and around the bluffs and side ravines, generally between the many high waterfalls. There are a number of hiking trails within the public areas here in the Gorge. Bridge of the Gods, Cascade Locks, Oregon to Rogers Pass, Montana – 2006
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