The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-08-23
SOMETHING TO CLIMB FOR.

The Morning OrSgonian.
For untold centuries Beacon Rock or,
as it is more Familiarity called Castle
Rock, situated about thirty miles from
Portland, as the bird flies, has reared
aloft its rugged contour defying all but
the bravest to scale it's SCARED and pre-
cipitous sides So far as known, no white
man has ever succeeded in reaching its
summit, and probably a century has
elapsed since the last of the great IN
dian chieftains was. laid to rest on it's
summit.
What VIII eventually prove to be one
OF the most exciting and interesting trips
ever made in the Pacific Northwest will
be undertaken in the near future At
that time party now being organized
Tor the purpose will undertake the ascent
The party will consist of a limited num-
Der, and will be accompanied by a COM
petent Indian guide. and will be under
the leadership of Frank J. Smith and
Walter T. Sewell. two old-time employees
OF the Regulator line, of this city.
Beacon Rock, which is situated about
ffftyive miles from Portland by the
water route, is probably LOCO feet in
helght but as no measurement of the
heisnt has eyer been taken, it is i'm
possible to give an accurate figure It's
base covers an extent of ground equal
10 thirteen and one-fourth acre. and at
the top 1t measures at least an acre in
extent. From this it can readily be seen
that the sides are precipitous and the
perlIs accompanying the ascent are great
IN account of the unwillingness of the
lndars residing in the vicinity TO i'm
part anv information concerning the use
OF the rock in past centuries as burial
ground. 1t has been impossible TO pat
oenhlte information concerning that rite
which is held so sacred among the red
men. vague rumor has it, however, that
Tor ages the summit of this almost mac
cesslble rock was the last resting nIace
of all the great chieftains of the tribe OF
the Gonawanians
from the base Of Beacon Rock to the
Ioot of the ruined abutment of the
Bridge of the Gods the surrounding
country is strewn with Indian relics and
the bleaching bones of the aborigines
ms whole country is rich in romantic
leseho, and one can scarcely set foot at
any point nereabouts that has not been
orenched with the blood of the carly,
settler or his savage foe. Tt is but a few
mics from here in one direction to where
zen. Grant spent the earlier DAYS of his
NE ana IN 1896 the very ground was the
scene OF terrible Indian massacre Al
TINS time Col. Steptoe came to the rescue
WIN Two companies from The DalIes and
dashlng Phil Sheridan with one comnanp
from VacouVer. Sheridan Point situated
short distance below the locks is
lot him.
After the party has made the ascent
OF beacon Rock it is proposed to extend
the trip to take in the ruins of the Bridge
or the Gods. From the top of the ruined
aDutment the view is magnificent tbk
Columbia being visible for miles both
east and west and the Willamette as far
south as Eugene. The party will be made
upof men interested in scientific research
and will be accompanied by photograph,
ers. Communication with Portland win
be attemptedsby means of the heliogranh,
and the party will be thoroughly equipped
with all appliances both for safety ana
comfort 1i
That trip of such an unusual nature
is to be undertaken. coupled with the fact
that Portland lies almost in the shadow
Oh this historical section, will lend an
ADDED interest to the outing, and when
1t is understood that the entire trip will
not occupy more than four days it is not
10 be wondered at that many eager in
quiries are being made concerning If
1t is peculiarly interesting fact that
a few miles north of the abutments on
the Washington side of the Columbia ia
mountain known as Star mountain.
Near its summit are the remains of three
distinct lines of Notifications. dating back
to some prehistoric age, and probably
erected by a race well advanced in civil
cation. Near the base of Star mountain
Is strongly defined trail worn in the
rock, at some places to a. depth of from
one to two feet. 1t shows the route fol-
lowed in the early days by the Indians
travelling from the plains of Eastern Ore
gon to the lower Columbia anu Villa
mette valleys.