The Nevada Democrat., 1858-04-28
Routes 20 the Frazier River Mines.

To these mines there is access by two routes,
which may be regarded as the principal routes
from San Francisco or from this place. We
propose to give an outline of these aud the dis
tances from point to point, character OF the
country, &C. Our information has been derived
from persons who have been long conversant
with that region of country, and means oil ac-
ces to it, and we trust we shall be impartial.
These mines lie principally on the east side OF
the Cascade range Of mountains, when eAteho
through Oregon and Washington Territories,
north into the British Possessions. We speak
first of the route by way of Puget Sound up
Frazier's river to Fort Langley, by steamboats,
aud other vessels. Fort Langley is the head OF
ship and steamboat navigation on Frazier's
river; above that point the waters of that stream
are very rapid and it is only with difficulty they
can be navigated in small canoes. From Fort
Langley up the river through cahons to Fort
Hope is distance of so miles, and requires
from six to eight days Of hard lobor to ascend
it in canoes. Thence leaving the river, the pack
trail passes across Mansen's mountain, a very
cragged and rugged pass, to camp FAMINE,
distance of 60 miles, requiring from three to i've
days travel, without any grass or food for ami
mails. Here o rest Of two days is required tU
recruit animals. Hence the trail passes along
the eastern slope of the Cascades on to Sam
mlkime river, travel of two days. AT this
point the trail divides-one fork leading to Fort
Thompson and the other to Fort Colville. TAX
ing the first FORK you travel to the northeast
distance of l30 miles to the Shuswap lake, or
the region Of the mines. On the whole route
from Fort Hope to Sammilkime you find but one
place where grass can be procured for animals.
The Hudson Bay company are compelled to send
all their pack animals from the east side OF the
mountains, to Fort Hope, on which they pack
their stores, and hence it is very difficult for
miner to procure an animal at Fort Hope. For
two years that company packed most all their
goods to Colvile 10y this route, so rs to save the
duties demanded by the way of the Columbia
river. But now they take all by way OF Co
lumbia river, as the duties are less than the
wear and loss of animals in crossing Mount
Manson.
ROUTE VIA PoRTIAXD.-From Portland to the
Dalles, by steamboat, below and above the Cas-
cades the distance is less than 100 miles, and
the entire steamboat fare Sll. At the Dalles
the best Indian horses can he had at prices rang
ing from $40 to $40. Saddles. accouterments,
clothing, supplies, and complete outfit can be
had at Portland, Vancouver or the Dalles, at
prices varying in the different places insomuch
as the cost Of freight between the points From
the Dalles. Uid Walla Walla. thence to the head
Of Okanagan lake. the distance is $40 miles,
But the character of the country is such that n
with great facility. When at the head of Okla.
nagan lake. you are in the region of the mines,
and only at distance OF thirty miles from Shu-
swap lake. This distance is a mountainous trail
for about fifteen miles, and the remainder q
good open country. On the whole route from
the Dalcs, the best grass and feed for animals
exists in abundance. The points on this route
are as follows: From the Dalles to Walla Wala
l20 miles; thence northwest across Snake river
near its mouth. to Fort Okanagdn, near the
junction of the Okanagan with the Columbia
river, 100 miles: thence north up the Okanagan
to the Sammilkime. 40 n..ics; theace north
northeast along the east side of Okanagan lake
to it's head. so miles; thence northeast to Shu-
swap lake. 80 miles-making the distance from
the Dalles to Shuswap lake, $40 miles.
Another route from the Dalcs, and which
shortcns the above distance about 40 miles.
crosses the Columbia r,ver at the Dalts, extends
through the Smcoc Valley to Priest Rapids
distance l20 miles; thence crossing the Column
bia and exteading north. inttrsocts the other
route at the mouth of the OkaHagan-d distance,
90 miles thence along the other trail to the
head of the lake.
Again, the waters OF the Columbia river are
navigablc for steamboats,, save two portages. as
far as Walla Walla, ard above that place bat
teaus can ascend the Columbia and Okanagan
rivers to the head of the lake without portage.
The Hudson Bay Co.'s boats have ascsndcd fre
quently to the Okanagau lake. and also to Fort
Colville. The river navigation with battcaus is
not so RAPID as travel across the country with
animals, but supplies can be taken up the rivers
with good facility by boats Portland Standard