The Alaska citizen., 1910-09-12
THE SEWARD TRAIL
 ID |D|TAROD

difficulties, topographically speaking says the lditarod Pioneer. There is one high range of mountains to pass through. that is the Alaska range Nature, however, has helped out the traveller by providing pass-the Rainy pass at the head of Rhon river. There is very little grade to either side of the pass the Vol lies of DalzelI creek on the Kusku- kwin side, and Pass creek on ;h, Susitna side. meet in a ravine or saddle between two high peaks s-- level. even and well protected.
 In q general way the trail will follow the valleys and water courses and with the exception of six or seven miles on Rainy pass, it will be in timber all the way through to seward. At least the trail that was travelled last winter followed that course and no doubt will follow the same course with notifications this winter.
 From Otter the trail will find it's way 10 the valley of Bonanza and follow that stream to the very head. or 10 the headwaters. that dovctail with one of the branches of Moore creek, which is the continuation of that long and tortuous stream. The divide hot very low grade, and one would | hardly notice the ascent or the de scent. Then il follows Moose creek to discovery on Moose. From Otter to discovery on Moose is estimated to be 8 niles From Discovery on | Moore the trail passes over q slant of a ridge and reaches in 3l2 miles i to Discovery on Fourth of July i creek. and il follows that stream to its mouth where an Indian viii lage and few cabins are located l The distance between the two latter ! points is estimated to be also 8 l miles,
 | Following the Takotna l. miles | further you will reach Takotna City, q settlement of 10 cabins. two roadnouscs and the headquarters of l the kuskOkwim Commercial Co.,. which has general merchandise store. Frank Joaquin. an old trader and Mir. Higgins are at the head of l that concern.
 From Takotna inc trail will in all probability cut through cross country to the mouth of the Takot- ma, where there is big settlement of prospectors and traders. The place was given the name of McGrath was | once commissioner and built a cabin there In fact, there is a trail now cut between TaIlotna City and Me Grath and probably will be located a5 permanent. At this latter place the x. C. Co. intends to establish q trading post. Then the trail will pass to Big river, on the main KuskOwim where there is roadhouse. and then crosses over level country to l Nicolai, an Indian village. and then follows the South fork of the Kusko- | kWim. but the commissioner might take a straight beeline from Me. Grath to point on the South fork near Farewell mountain, and shorten the distance many miles. Following the valley of the South fork to l Rhon river, it asccnds that stream to DalHell creek, thence to Rainy pass, Pass creek and Happy river, and the sequestered valleys
 From the mouth of Yentna to Sew ard the trail will be travelled all winter and many roadhouse are To- cated at convenient distances. The Susitna station is quite a new town where the A. C. Co., has large store and supplies can be had. Then the trail passes by knik, anoth Ter town and postogce, where there are three restaurants and two good stores. Leaving this point the trail winds around Knik arm and Turn again arm until it reaches Girdwood. another small settlement; this is three miles further it reaches Kern creek station, on the Alaska Northern Railroad 72 miles from Se- ward
 Seward is located on Resurrection bay, endowed with the best town site on the coast, and enjoys all the privileges and improvements of an Outside city It has very com modious hotels, elegant large stores, banking facilities, and has an open harbor all the year round, and con ] nected with the Outside world by cable. The town has mail service every week, and one can catch a boat every few days
 To recapitulate the distances from Discovery Otter:
 Discovery, Moore creek .. 8 8 Mouth of 4th-of-July creek 8 70 Takotna City .. b S5 Mouth of Takotna w 20 1O5 Rohn river ............... 70 175 | Rainy pass ............. II 1S9 Susitna station ..........105 294 Little Susitna .......... IS 312