PROM MOUTH OP CLARIS FORK TO WALLAH-WALLAH. 283 



water it is a perfect torrent. I made a portage along the east bank; the trail was good and 

 about half a mile in length. Innumerable eddies and whirlpools are seen, which rendered the 

 navigation in canoes rather precarious. The principal tributaries from the east, and the only one 

 worthy of mention, was Clark s fork. This noble stream runs through a deep gorge in the range 

 about a quarter of a mile from the main stream, and has two falls, one near the gorge and one 

 at its mouth, and empties into the Columbia with a roar. The fall near the gorge is about three 

 feet in height ; that at its mouth fifteen feet, and not more than one hundred and fifty yards 

 wide. I attempted to ascend the river, but after climbing over the rocks, was satisfied to obtain 

 a view of the river where it debouches from the range. If the appearance of this pass is a fair 

 illustration of its bank to the Pend d Oreille mission, I believe the various reports circulated at 

 Fort Colville true ; to attempt to ascend with canoes, or move with a pack train along the banks, 

 would be impossible. 



The appearance of the country along the east bank of the Columbia, from the mouth of this trib 

 utary to within a few miles of Fort Colville, convinces me that the interval between these streams 

 is a perfect network of mountains. About one mile north of Colville I saw a large stream ; its 

 direction, viewed from the river, was nearly north. Captain McClellan and party approached 

 the Columbia by its valley. There is also another about six miles north of the Little Dalles; this 

 is a mere rivulet, but at the lime of high water it is a large and rapid stream. The main stream 

 above Clark s fork was much larger than any tributary has a swifter current, and is much 

 deeper, but has the same general appearance. A pack trail passes along the next bank of the 

 river. The mountain spurs present a great obstacle to a wagon road. Upon my return I received 

 your letter of October 29th, authorizing me to leave before the arrival of Dr. Suckley, and to 

 proceed along the east bank of Columbia to Fort Wallah- Wallah, by the Grand Coulee, provided 

 the condition of the animals would permit. After a careful inspection, I was convinced that they 

 required more rest. I consequently remained until the 13th. Astronomical observation taken at 

 niy camp, near the fort, determined the latitude to be 48 35 . I cannot forget to remember Mr. 

 McDonald for the disinterested and efficient service rendered on every occasion, and the hospi 

 tality extended to myself and brother during my sojourn near his pleasant post. On the eve of 

 starting on the 13th, I heard of the arrival of Dr. Suckley and party ; this, in addition to a violent 

 hail-storm, induced me to accept the polite invitation of Mr. McDonald, and I quartered my 

 party at the fort. Finding the Doctor could procure the necessary transportation for the river trip, 

 I left the fort at 2 p. m. on the 14th, and marched eight miles. Leaving Colville the trail has a 

 southerly direction, and passes over a well-wooded rolling prairie. A range of hills were at from 

 one-fourth to half a mile distant during the entire day; they are from two hundred to three hun 

 dred feet high, and covered with a large growth of pine. The view to the west was intercepted 

 by a high range of mountains running along the river bank ; the soil good, sand and alluvium. 

 About four miles from Colville I crossed a swift running stream, twenty feet wide and six deep. 

 This stream is called Mill river, from the fact of the Hudson s Bay Company having a grist-mill 

 near its mouth. The route of the succeeding day was without change. The hills have a gradual 

 rise to the south, and the general appearance of mountains on the opposite bank the same. Passed 

 a few lodges near the bank, and saw a number across the river. Their winter store of provision 

 consists of salmon, which were seen in great abundance suspended from the limbs of trees. 

 From the camp of the 15th the country was very undulating. The trail passed up hills and 

 through ravines for twenty miles; it then had a gradual fall towards the upland, near Spokane, and 

 passed through a steep sandy gorge to the river. The country between my line of march and the 

 Columbia, which passed out of view about four miles from the trail, was very undulating, and 

 rendered impassable by deep ravines. Passed three lakes along the trail; the largest, about 

 twenty miles from the last camp, was three hundred fest long and one hundred wide. It had no 

 visible outlet. Numerous small streams were passed during the day ; timber is still found in great 

 abundance. My guide having gone in advance to examine the river, found it too high to ford. 



