The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-11-21
SATURDAY MORNING. NOVEMBER 81 1865
Natural Wonders.
A RIVAL TO x1AeARA FALLS.

From the Oregon Statesman
Snake river Is the south fork of the Columbia
having the alternate name of Lewis river. The
valley of The Snake lies along an almost direct
line from the South Pass of the Rocky Noun.
tains. and in the early days it furnished the
most practicable route overland to the Pacific.
In IFS descent over the elevated plains of Idaho,
ABBOTT four hundred miles from whence il takes
iis rise in the Rocky Mountains, Snake river
forms the great Shoshone Falls. The river here
runs through narrow, rocky gorge, which
wioens and terminates abruptly ia precipitate
cliffs, the summit of which Is about one hundred
feet above the level OF the rapids aud so steep
thatthe traveller can only descend at one point
an osd Indian trail, its numerous windings making
IT about mile in length. Following this trail
slowly and carefully. the tourist will in due time
md himself standing upon the bank of the river
on level with the rapids, and overlooking the
falls. The width Of the river at this point has
been variously estimated-we thought il at
least two hundred yards. The rapids here
thirty TO sixty feet each in height, aud
just below them the river, in an unbroken mas,
leaps swo hundred and ten feet into the bottom
less pit below. The course of the river at this
point y almost due east and west; the contour of
the falls Is that of an irregular horseshoe, and
their width, following the course of ths water Is
at least four hundred yards. Although the river
Is not quite as wide at this point ss the Niagara
river, the fails are higher and quite as beautiful
The most complete view OF the falls, including
surrounding scenery. is obtained from Lookout
Point. Lookout Point is narrow cape of rocks
projecting from the main bluff about three hun
dred yards lower down on the river than the fall,
so narrow that two persons cannot walk abreast
Standing upon this point, Ee will eadsavor TO
name the prominent places of interest
Tbe first object which attracts our attention
Is kogle Rock, perpendicular pillar of rock,
sboht one hundred feet in height, rising
from. the main cataract. On the topmost peak
OF this rock 81 American eagle has built
ms eyre, hitting home for our national bird
long may he live 10 occupy his unique and rom IA.
TIC abode Juat above, add about the center of
the cataract, IS Ballard Island, q small rocky
island, covered with cedar and juniper trees.
Several smaller islands, TO the right aud left of
the large one or Ballard Island add to the beauty
anc picturesqueness of the scene. The Two
Se.tinels-tHo huge rocky pillaTs-are one on the
north, the other on the south side, overlooking
the falls, and reminding one of grim sentines
guarding their object. Lower down the river
ana from higher standpoint, one can observe a
me panoramic view OF the whole-the falls the
foab,iDg fspids, Eagle Rock, the Two 5ensiaels
the huge pillars of perpetual spray rising from
he. bottom and near the center OF the
cataract. and extending il rises to either
side and made beautiful by the many coored
raiaoows which shed halo of glory
upon the whole scene. Still lower down
the. DIVER Is Prospect Gulch. Several gentle
NEE OF the party, actuated by the spirit OF ad.
venture, determined to attempt through the
kutn, 10 reach The river below the falls. They
lowered themselves fifty feet on the rope down
theaerpendicular sides of u rocky cliff. Reaching
nm ground they managed, with but little Difficult.
~, go scramble down about five hundred feet 10
the banks Of the river. Arriving there they found
theif troubles had just begun they were six hun.
dred yards from the falls, to reach which their
path lay around and over some huge powders of
slippery rock, winding along the foot Of the steep
balls, and then through the foaming and boiling
waters. the heavy swells of which reminded
fhen} stl1kingly of the breakers from the sea
shore. Finally they reached point about thirty
feet from the falls. Their journey here came to an
abrupt termination by the shelving of the rocks
into deep water. The wind struck this point with
ueh;vioence that they feared to trust themselves
le az erect posture. On their knees they held
with their hands to the overhanging brush to pre-
vent being blown into the river. We think that
one can not fully comprehend the immensely of
the sheet OF water and the sublimity of the scene
until he can gaze upward as we did. This point
ls fse Cave of the Winds. The Shosone Falls, as
whl1e, will compare fayorably with Niagara. Those
Of cur party who have seen both places pronounce
he former superior in many respects. In beauty
and wildness Of scenery, the Shoshone can not b
Niagara excels in magnitude only.