The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-10-07
Mysterious Mountains.

For untold centuries Beacon Rock, or.
as II is more Familiarity called, Castle
Rock, situated about thirty miles from
Portland. Ore. has reared aloft fits rug
ged contour. defying all but the brsvest
TO scale its SCARED and precipitous sides.
So far as known. no white man has ever
succeeded I'm reaching its summit. and
probably century has ella psed since the
last OF the great Indian chieftains was
laid TO rest on Its summit
NAT VIII eventually prove TO be one OF
the most exciting and interesting trips
ever made IN the Pacific Northwest Will
be undertaken I'm the near future saws
the philadelphia Inquirer. At that time
parry now being organized for the pur-
pose viii undertake the ascent. The
party viii consist OF "A limited number.
aud will be accompanied by competent
indian guide. and will be under the lead
ership of Frank j. Smith and Walter r.
Sewell TWO residents of Portland.
Beacon Rock, which IL situated about
tfty-five miles from Portland by the wa
ter route. Is probably 1000 feet in height,
but az no measurement OF the height has
ever been taken. IL is impossible TO give
On accurate figure. Its base covers an
acres and at the top IL measures at
least an acre In extent. From this It
can readily be seen that the sides are
precipitous and the perils accompanying
ON accoun, of the unwillingness of the
Indians residing I'm the vicinity 10 impart
any information concerning the OF
the rock I'm past centuries as a burial
ground. IL has been impossible TO get
definite Information concerning that rite
which is held sacred among the red
men. Vague rumor has IL, however, that
Tor ages the summit OF this almost mac
ceSsible rock was the last resting place
or az the great chieftains of the tribe of
the Gonawanans.
From the base OF Beacon Rock 10 the
foot or The ruined abutment OF the Bridge
OF the Gods the surrounding country is
A flh hn eB
ing bones Of the aborieines This whole
country IL rich I'm romantic legend. and
one can scarcely set foot at any point
hereabouis that has not been drenched
with the blood Of the early settler or his
savage foe. II IL hut a few miles to
where General Grant spent the earlier
DAYS OF his life. and I'm 1855 the very
ground was the scene OF terrible Indian
massacre. At this time Colonel Steptoe
came Go the rescue with two Compa MES
from The Dalles. aud dsshing Phil Sheri-
dan with one company from Vancouver
Sheridan Point. situated short distance
below the locks, is named for him.
After the party has made the ascent OF
Beacon Rock IL H. proposed 10 extend the
trip tO take I'm the ruins Of the Bridge
abutment the view Is magnificent. the
Columbia being visible for miles both
east and west and the Willamette as far
south as Eugene. The party will be made
up of men Interested in scientific research
and will be accompanied by photosrap
hers. communication with Portland
VIII bt Allempteu bN means OF lne nelO-
graph. and the party will he thoroughly
equipped With all appliances both for
safety and comfort.
That a trim OF such unusual nature
Is 10 he undertaken. coupled with the fact
that Portland lies almost In the shadow
OF this historical section. viii lend an
added Interest To the outing, and when II
is Understood that the entire trip will not
occupy more than four days 10 is not 10
be wondered al that many eager inquiries
are being made concerning ~.
~ "A ri inf In agt n
few miles north or the abutmcnts OF the
Washington side " the Columbia IL a
mountain known as star mountain Near
its summit are the remains of three dis
tinct lines of fortincations. dating back
to some prehistoric age, and probably
erected by race well advanced I'm civil
izatiCn Near the baSe of star mountain
T. strongly defined trail worn In the
rock. 1T some places 10 depth of from
one 60 two feet N shows the route fol-
lowed in the carly days by the Indians
travelling from the plains W Eastern ore
eon TO The lower Columbia and William
eue valleys