The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-10-15
Our Oregon Correspondence.

DALLES, COLUMBIA hlNsR aug. q 1900.
a Stroll oUer the Cascade Mountains-Rich Val-
leys--Fpe Timber-Good Route for Railroad
Prosperous condition of Enigrants- Wealh Of
the Clickatack ADMINISTRATOR among the
Shekans and Cayuses, &c.
! have just finished long but interesting trip
through the Cascade Mountains, and am stopping
here day or two to recruit. AS the mail leaves
here tonight, write you few lines for the benefit
Of your readers, about region that is likely, in
short tme to attract great deal Of attention in con-
nection Eith the Pacific Railroad. kft Steitawan,
on Puget Sound about the 18th inst, and proceeded
north about thirty miles to White river, crossing in
my way the rich valley of the Ryallup. proceeded
up White river about thirty moro to Green river,
branch Of White river. Up this river ten or fifteen
miles came I, the dividing ridge, that required
6ay IS travel to &c. At the foot Of the noun
tain, on the east side, came to the Kochs-kochs,
passiog down to where it enters the Narchis, down
it the Gockama, where left the rivers, and pro-
ceeded south, three days journey to this place. The
point where crossed the range lies between Mount
Baker and Mount Rainier. l took this route in order
to satisfy myself on several important points first
to its practicability for an emigrant road from
Walla-W ALA to Puget Sound, or to find pass that
would admit OF the construction Of a RAILROAD; to
satisfy yse with regard to the existence of gold in
the range, which many maintain has been found
there, and 70 pick up any other information about
this comparatively unknown country that might fall
under my observation. The road BY which I ira
yelled is the old Clickatack TRAIL used by the tribes
east and west Of the Cascade range for the trasspor
.ston Of horses and cattle and other articles of tra
fs. Ny observations led me to the conclusion that
the emigrant road mustpass this way, that railroad
can be constructed with as much facility the Cum
berand or Hudson River Railroad aud that there is
no gold in any quantity in the country passed. over
by me.
found the valley of the Ryallup to be rich Sec
ton Of country. There are some very fine praires
upon its banks; but passed through region of ten
miles before entering the hills on White river that
exceeds in richness and fertility Of soil anything
have ever seen in Oregon or Washington territory.
Tie tern ard grass upon the pr Aries higher Ia
many places than the head of q man on horseback
and are interspersed with an agreeable quantity of
very ioe timber. The west side of the mountains is
covered to the very summit Of the range with dense
growth Of the largest fra, and the greatest difficulty
in passing along is the fallen timber. On the summit
the timber is more stunted and becomes more rare
as you descend the eastern aide, until you emerge
upon The plains, where it entirely disappears, and
the only shrub met with, except along the little
streams, is the artimesia or Wild sage. On the west
side few il any rocks appear upon the surface, and
those that DO are granite. On the east the entire
formation is basalt, and its coumnal form in many
places is so dstinc. and extensive to throw your
Palisades on the Hudson completely in the shade In
many places high mountains are formed by terrace
sbsve terrace Of coluInnal Dasalt sometimes caste
lated running up into turrets and peaks at the sum
nit which for picturesqUeness and grandeur, never
saw equalled. There is no grass on the west side,
made 20 by the debris Of the basalt yet it is still
fine grazing country and some Of the mountains are
covered to the very top with fine growth of rich
grass,
The valley Of the Yackarna and its tributaries is
occupied by the Ciskatacks, tribe-of Indians that
live by raising and selling horses They have also
large herds of CATTLE and their moral condition has
perhaps been much improved by the influence Of the
at ta mig ria in fba aiubha 40
some farming and TaEe potatoes, peas, and wheat.
We stopped few days at the Catholi, mission on
the Atlenin, and were well treated, though the
priest there does no. set that example of industry
from one in his position. He lives in miserable
hovel, and, though on old inhabitant, has none Of
the comforts Of life about him, living like re-
cuse than a missionary.
In coming down from the valley Of the Yarkama
TO this place, crossed four distinct little ranges
spurs Of the Cascades-running east and west, be-
tween which are fine grazing valleys. From the
summit bad fine view OF the Cascade range,
north OF the Columbia river; and the fine peaks OF
Becker, Rancier, Adams, st. Helens, and Hood, were
spread out before me- and independent OF the beauty
aud grandeur Of the scene could distinctly the
physical features Of the country, and could select
the most eligible point for road TO pass; and
could gee distinctly that the lowest point lies be-
tween Mount Baker and Mount Rainier; and in all
probability II railroad ever passes through the
range, it will pass up the valley Of Yarkama TO the
Snohomish, and down that river to the waters Of Ad
miraty Inlet and Puget Sound ard this must be the
point that will be preferred by Captain Mcclellan.
BY the way, think the survey will meet with q
great deal OF difficulty in the plan 1t has adopted TO
pass up the west side of Cascade range until some
eligible pass IL selected owing TO the extensive and
almost mpenetrable forests on that side. The range
Ia by far more accessible the east side the hills
bare, and You can select your way as there are
trees TO obstruct the vev and you are not hidden
from the sun, and almost the light Of day as on the
west side. Its progress must necessarily be slow
and laborious, and they cannot accomplish what is
mand Of Lieut. Saxton has been heard from, one
day out from Walla Wala, and has been progressing
finely. He win In all probability accomplish his
part without interruption or difficulty, as his equip
forests
The difficulties and troubles anticipated 81 Mlior
Ayord &C thA point haHa pfoYeA u haya M Ax{h.