The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1916-06-08
REASONS FOR YAKIMA
HOOD RIVER ROAD

(By C. C. Hutchins, secretary Of White
Salmon Commercial Club, in the Ore
gonian)
Those who conceived, formulated the
intricate details of financing and con-
struction and gave to the world the CO.
lumbia river highway probably-did not
at the time realize the full scope of its
ultimate usefulness. Ii might be lik-
ened to a great railway system; the
main lire is first constructed, connect
ing two or more important ceDters of
industry; then feeders or latersls are
run out, that larger community may
be served and enjoy the benefits to be
derived from connections offered by the
great railway system.
With our Columbia highway, the
main line construction has been COM
menced. Ii gradually will be extended
east until it ties in with and becomes a
part of a national ocean-to-ocean high
way. A most important feeder, the
highways of the Hood River valley dis.
trict. now provides heavy traffic to and
from Portland and other coast points.
Their dream of many years has at last
come true.
Directly across the Columbia river
from Hood River lies White Salmon.
the gateway to the scenic White Sal
mon valley, another established feeder
to the Columbia river highway. North
of this district, and separated by but a
few miles, is the extensive Yakima
valley, rich in its products OF agrlcul.
ture, horticulture and livestock. This
valley is a part of the Columbia river
basin.
1t is geographically and legitimately
tributary to Portland, and its people
are enthusiastic supporters of the pro-
posed Yakima Columbia highway prop
osition, which will give them a direct
connection with the Columbia river
highway and Portland. At present it
is necessary for them to travel some Is
miles farther, a considerable part of
the route through desolate sage
brush country, providing no accommo-
dations for man or car. Its roads,
through the months when peak travel
Is on, are almost impossible on account
of heavy hauling, deep laden with al
kali dust. and country void OF scenic
attractions or opportunities for the
lover of camp and fishing. From point
of snowfall there is but little differnce
between the proposed highway route
and the present one the highway would
be in fine condition by the time the
seasons travel commenced.
A glance at the map drawn from the
latest government production and all
towns accurately located will show the
proposed route from North Yakima to
the Columbia river via White Swan,
Glenwood and White Salmon to be in
practically an air line. Distance trav-
ersed, North Yakima to Glenwood, ap-
proximately 65 miles. or 100 miles to
the Columbia river highway via the
Hood River-White Salmon auto ferry ;
165 miles from Portland to North Yak
ina. furnishing comfortable one day
run, with good resorts, hotels and gar
ages en- route. This link will form
cutoff connection with the system of
northern Washington state highways
to Seattle. Spokane and the east, and
travesing one of the most scenic, varied
and interesting stretches in the world.
Leaving White Salmon, there is a
choice of three charming routes to
Glenwood: First, via Husum, situated
directly on the White Salmon river
eight miles up, with good hotel, to
Trout Lake, where is located the ia.
nous fishing resort, with good hotels
and camping equipments then over the
summit on good road to Glenwood,
which is situated at the foot of the
agricultural Camas Prairie valley, and
where good hotel, garage and general
stores will be found.
Second, via Husum and Gilmer. This
route, somewhat shorter, runs through
the beautifully set Gilmer valley and
the entire length of the Camas Prairie
valley, over good roads, which for sew.
eral miles run through the big fir tim.
ber. Third route is via Snowden and
the Camas Prairie valley. This is the
shortest route and affords wonderful
panoramic views, as from time to time
it emerges from the heavy timber. A
most interesting side trip from Trout
Lake may be made to the celebrated
ice and lava caves, and from Glenwood
over the new snow line road nearly to
the base and snow line of Mount Adams
l2,307 feet high.
Continuing the tour. four miles from
Glenwood the rushing kilckitat river
is crossed. At this point is an ideal
spot for an overnight or longer camp,
as the river provides splendid fishing
with plenty of big ones. The fine ex-
amples of basalt rock formation along
its bluffs are of interest. Leaving the
river it crosses the Yakima Indian res
ervation, much of the distance through
a park of big pines with ever changing
view points of Mount Adams. Passing
close to Fort Simcoe and White Swan
via Wapato comes North Yakima,
where is found one of the cleanest and
best paved cities in the Northwest.
That this highway will be toured by
thousands of tourists every season, and
bring many to the Columbia river
highway and Portland who otherwise
would not visit this section, is certain,
but of greater benefit will be the Cd.
portunity provided our own people for
frequent personal interchange of com.
mercial visits, and knowledge of the
many delightful scenic spots our own
Northwest offers to the lover of nature.
During the open season it is now
customary for the northwestern com.
merciai traveller to tour his district by
auto, enabling him to make several
towns day instead Of but one or two
when train service is depended upon.
The merchant, banker or professional
man can combine a pleasant outing
with a personal call on his customers,
thus creating good feeling all around
and gathering first hand information
for future use in extending his bust
ness.
The foothills and lower slopes of
Mount Adams, in the United States
forest reserve. are leased for grazing
purposes. The season of 1915 saw 90.-
600 head of sheep on this range. A
number of camps are established and
supplies for many of them now have to
be packed in for many miles. The
construction of this highway will be
Of great benefit to this industry, not
alone from the supply end. but getting
in and out their stock. An increased
lease revenue would doubtless result
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