Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-08-21

summit stands out in bold relief, known
as Pulpit Rock. Wonder, on the Wash
ington side, we approach the huttressed
walls of mighty precipices, at whose
base rise airy. pinnacles, and above
them, for miles, stand mountains that are
rock-terraced in rudest shapes. We are
sweeping past one of the most notable
features OF this wonderful galaxy Of noun
tain scenes-Cape Horn. Close under the
lee of the wide cliffs some venturesome in
truder has had the courage to improve a
bench OF upland, that the mountain has
forgotten to tread upon, and placed there
home, garden and orchard, that offer a
weak contrast to the whelming wildness
of the surroundings. The river flows by
and through these scenes, winding around
huge bluffs and past basaltic columns,
looked down upon by submits whose crowns
overlook the others forest-coyered sides
now and then pebbly beach or maple and
alder-covered shore to contrast with the
forest of frs that rise above and beyond.
Here is a waterfall that pours over a
sheer cliff, feathered into stream of spray
ere it reaches the basin thousand
feet below. Yonder is another which
leaps over one mountain brow from dizzy
hight, to rush through canyon and
make another leap to reach the rocky pool
below. These are the most beautiful falls
In view, though we catch glimpse of
many lesser streams that make wild leaps
among the mountains. We are penetrating
the very heart of the great mountain
ranges, and wonder by what weary work
of countless ages Nature toiled to make
this pathway for the greatest OF Western
rivers, and carved such immortal monu-
ments along its course.
THE CASCADES.
Before We reach the portage, in the very
midst of the mountain range, the northern
shores recede and leave deep wooded bay,
from the centre of which rises Castle Rock, a
wonderful feature, for its sides seem pre-
cipitous, though shapely, and its summit,
with frs g.owlng on shelving nights and
occasional clefts, towers nearly 1850 feet
above the wooded plain. Even in this
seemingly impenetrable wilderness there
are settlements, for a Territorial post-office
bears the name of Castle Rock. Landing
on sandy island, We change to comforta-
BILE cars, and soon go five miles to the
Upper Cascades, all the while with abrupt
cliffs in view, towering ranges all around,
the mad river at times whirling into foam
as it dashes over huge powders in its
plunges to reach the lower level. / have
been told that there is a fall of eighty feet
in the five miles. The Cascades proper are
worth seeing. When l first passed here
many Indian lodges were built upon the
benches of the shore, and to-day, as we
gained glimpse of the river bank, we saw
a solitary Siwash fishing with scoop-net
from scaffolding made of poles that
spanned assure through which the water
rushed with diminished force. One of the
sights along here is the block. house where
twenty-five years ago Sheridan and hand
full of soldiers Were beseiged for days by
hostile Indians.
THE UPPER RIVER,
For about fifty miles above the Cascades
the river flows quietly through beautiful
mountain scenery, but not possessing the
wildness and grandeur, nor any of the re-
markable traits that attach to the lower
stream and its mountain shores. There
are some settlements, but the usual view is
a wild natural shore that has not been
invaded by the hand of man. Gradually
the mountains grow bare and dwindle to
brown and grass covered but des-
titute of timber; the scenery is rugged,
with cliffs and hills occasionally there is
room for farm, but not inviting or attract
i've to one whose eyes have recently feasted
on the homes, fields, groves, orchards and
harvests Of the Willamette valley.
xha 81 no1l,c
City, busy town that trades with an ex.
tensive region and stands sentinel at the
gateway Of the Columbia, the first cham
pion we met of the upper country"
We have reached another climat, and an
other people. If its dying citiu M babble
o green fields" at this season of the year
it is OF those they have left behind them
The Washington shore is crock. ribbed -
a sand island is in the near view, rocky
benches form the background of the town,
and its busy streets are guiltless of shade,
though there are pleasant home spots here
and there. The whistling winds come loaded
with drifting sands, and Natures desola.
ton goes hand in hand with mans pros
perity, but The Dalles is a thrifty place
and has an enterprising population, while
beyond the rocky ear-ground are hills that
tell of recent harvests and homes that
have hearts to worship in them.
Our days journey has taken us through
varied and wonderful scenery, from the
" web-foot climate of the fair William
cite to the dry regions of the wide interior.
We have followed the river channel
through grand mountain range, and now
are prepared to realize what great variety
Nature assumes in dispensing blessings to
man. In my next shall speak of the
past, present and future of Eastern Wash.
ngton and Oregon. c.