The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-09-18
SOMETHING TO CLIMB FOR
IFrom the Morninr oreronlan. ]

TFron1 the Morning Orenonian.I
For untold centuries Beacon Rock or.
it is more Familiarity called. Castle
Rock, situated about 30 miles from Port
land as the bird flies, has reared aloft
bravest to scale its SCARED and prectptt-
has ever succeeded In reaching its summit
and probably 2 century had elapsed since
the last Of the great Indian chiettaAns
was laid to rest its summit.
What will eventually prove to be one
Of the most exciting ana interesting trlIp,9
be undertaken in the near future AT
that time a party now being organized Tor
the purpose will undertake the ascent.
The party viii consist of q limited nnm-
Der and will be accompanied by 2 com
leadership OF Frank J. Smith and Walter
Z. Sewell two old time employees Of the
Beacon Rock. which is situated about
IS miles from Portland by the water route
is prOba bly, l. 600 feet in height, but as no
measurement of the height has ever been
taken, it is impossible TO give an accu-
rate figure It's base covers an extent or
ground equal to thirteen and fourth
acres and at the top II measures al ieast
ilv be seen that the sides are precipitous
and the perns accompanying the ascent
on account Of the unwillingness OF the
Indians residing in the vicinity TO impart
rock in past centuries as a burial ground.
it has been impossible to get definite IN
held SO sacred among the red men. Vague
rumor has it, however. that Tor q ses tne
was the last resting place Of all the great
chieftains OF the Of the tribe Of the Con
From the base Of Beacon Rock to the
foot Of the ruined abutment OF the Bridge
strewn with Indian relics ana the ple4cn-
ing bones of the abOrigines- Ihls whole
can scarcely set foot at any point here
abouts that has not been drenched with
age foe 1t is but few miles from here
in one direction to where Cen Grant
spent the earlier days or nls ire 4na ~
1853 the very ground was the scene ~ a
terrible Indian massacre. AT this time
Col Steptoe came 70 4 ne rescue VIZ 5.,, ~
companies from the Dsilies. alo 1'is.si.ll.s
Phil Sheridan with one company from
Vancouver, Sheridan Point, situated
short distance below the locks, is named
for him n.rt,, has made III. accent Of
Beacon Rock it is proposed 70 extend the
trip to t. Ike in the ruins Of the Bridge q
the Gods From the top OF tne Lli1 1,
innbia being visible for miles both east
o. E.,isrene The party viii be made up Of
men Interested in scientific research ana
G Gla1 mn ton with Portland viii be at
tempted BY means of the heliograph, ana
with all the appliances both Tor sAlely
That trip Of such en- unusual ma nature ss
is to be undertaken. coupled Win me l l
that Portland lies almost In the sn9ooW
Of this historical section, VIII ie enc, a Il
/ is understood that the entire trip VIII NOT
occupy more than four Gays lt y nvt to
he wondered at that many eager inquiries
are being made concerning IT,
IT Is a peculiarly interesting tact that
a few miles north Of the abutmente on
the Washington side Of the Colurnpia y
= ,,,,95tr4ain known as Star mountain.
Scar its summit are the remains or three
disffnct lines Of Notifications. dating pack
to some prehistoric age ana, Rrop,ap,,iS
erected bv a race well advanced In CIVIL
1ation Near the base of Star mountain
IS 4 strongly defined trail worn IN the
roci< At some places 70 q depth OF from
one 10 two feet It shows the route toi-
f-r-e5 IN the early DAYS by the Indians
ttyavelinsz from the plains Of eastern ore
pon to the lower Columbia ana VIII
| Ianeffa valleys.