The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1905-07-25
INCENTIVE TO CLIMB
Mysterious Oregon Heights Never
Scaled by White Men.
Exploring Party 20 Undertake the A.
cent of Beacon Rock, One-Ttms
watch Tower of IndAAns
of That Vicinity.
ror untold centuries Beacon Rocl

Or o. III - more IhulndTly cAileu,
II stls Rock, situated about 80 miles
fn Portland as the bird flies, has
reared aloft its rugged contour, defy
ing oil but the bravest to scale it's
SCARED and precipitous sides. So far
as known no white man has ever sue
ceeded in reaching its summit, and
probably century has elapsed since
the last of the great Indian chief
tains was laid to rest on its summit,
says the Portland Oregonian.
What will eventually prove to be
one of the most exciting and inter
esting trips ever made in the Pacific
northwest will be undertaken in the
near future. At that time a party
now being organized for the purpose
will undertake the ascent. The party
Will consist of limited number, and
will be accompanied by a competent
Indian guide, and will be under the
leadership of Frank J. Smith and
Walter T. Sewell, two old-time en-
ployes of the Regulator line of this
city.
Beacon Rock, which is situated
about So miles from Portland by the
water route, is probably 1000 feet in
height, but as no measurement of
the height has ever been taken, it is
impossible to give an accurate figure.
Its base covers an extent of ground
equal to 1874 acres, and at the top
il measures at least an acre in ex-
tent. From this it can readily be
seen that the sides are preciptous
and the perils accompanying the as
cent are great.
On account of the unwilhn9nesS of
the Indians residing in the vicinity
to impart any information concern
ing the use of the rock in past CEN
turtles as burial ground, it has been
impossible to get definite information
concerning that rite, which is held
so sacred among the red men. Vague
rumor has it, however, that for ages
the summit of this almost inaccessi
BILE rock was the last resting place
of all the great chieftains of the
tribe of the Gonawanians.
From the base of Beacon Rock to
the foot Of the ruined abutment of the
Bridge of the Gods the surrounding
country is strewn with Indian relics
and the bleaching bones of the abo-
rhymes. This whole country is rich
In romantic legend, and one con
scarcely set foot at any point here
abouts that has not been drenched
with the blood Of the early settler or
his savage foe. 1t is but few miles
from here in one direction to where
Gen. Grant spent the earlier days of
his hfe, and in 1856 the very ground
was the scene of terrible Indian mas
sscre. At this time Col. Steptoe came
to the rescue with two companies from
The Dallss, and dashing Phil Sheridan
with one company from Vancouver.
Sheridan Point, situated a short dis
lance below the locks, is named for
him.
After the party has made the ascent
of Beacon Rock it is proposed to ex-
tend the trip to take in the ruins of
the Bridge of the Gods. From the top
of the ruined abutment the view is
magnificent, the Columbia being visi
BILE for miles both east and west and
gene. The party will be made up of
men interested in scientific research,
and will be accompanied by photog-
raphers. Communicate with Port
land will be attempted by means of
the Photograph, and the party will be
thoroughly equipped with all appli-
ances both for safety and comfort
That trip of such an unusual ma
ture is to be undertaken, coupled with
the fact that Portland lies alm"S s. in
the shadow of this historical section,
will lend an added interest to the out
ing, and when it is understood that
the entire trip will not occupy more
than four days it is not to be Won
dsred at that many eager inquiries
are being made concerning it.
1t Is a peculiarly interesting fact
that few miles north of the abut-
msntS on the Washington side Of the
col pia is mountain known as Star
mounSarn. Near its summit are the
remains of three distinct lines of forth
hcations, dating back to some prehis-
toric age. and probably erected by a
race well advanced in civilization.
Near the base of Star mountain is a
strongly defined trail worn In the
rock, at some places to depth Of
from one to two feet. 1t shows the
route followed in the early days by the
Indians travelling from the plains Of
eaetern Oregon to the lower Columbia