MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTED AREAS. 



NUMEROUS PLACES URGED BEFORE THE COMMISSION AS SUIT- 

 ABLE FOR STATE PARKS. 



THE CEDAR VALLEY NEAR OSAGE. 

 By James H. Lees, Geologist. 



The valley of Cedar river presents many fine picturesque spots within 

 a few miles of Osage. From the river bridge directly south of town up 

 the stream as far as Mitchell the valley is bordered in many places by 

 steep rocky bluffs which with their timber covering and the hardy conifers 

 clinging to their faces and finding precarious footing and sustenance 

 among their cracks and crannies afford excellent spots for rest and recrea- 

 tion. In some cases these bluffs border the water closely, there being 

 only a narrow talus slope at their foot, along which a devious path has 

 been made by the numerous visitors. There is in almost all cases, how- 

 ever, a level flood plain across the river which would afford good park 

 spots. Among these localities are several fine bluffs on both sides of 

 the river within the first half mile above the bridge south o-f Osage 

 (Pierce's bridge), where the ground spruce and the cedar add variety to 

 the more common flora of oak and elm. A short distance above the 

 bridge southwest of Osage (Middle bridge), there are several rocky cliffs 

 and a fine spring or series of springs, which keep the river open here 

 through the winter. About a quarter of a mile below the wagon bridge 

 west of town and the same distance above the bridge are splendid ver- 

 tical cliffs which would afford fine beauty spots. Both of these localities 

 have a crown of timber which Attends back into the upland for some 

 distance. The lower bluff contains a small cavern and on its face from 

 the proper position one may see the profile of an Indian head in massive 

 proportions. The bluffs above the bridge are what are known as the 

 Chandler Cliffs. They are located just above the old dam which once 

 furnished power for the electric light plant, but which is now washed 

 out. It could be replaced with relative ease and would then afford an ex- 

 cellent backwater pool for boating and bathing. The high rocky vertical 

 cliffs would make a splendid background, and the place is easy of access, 

 as it is close to the main road west from Osage. The business men of 

 Osage have done a fine piece of constructive work in establishing a small 

 park of about forty acres along the river southwest of town. A low dam 

 has been thrown across the river, a club house built in the timber cov- 

 ering the low plain which lies between the stream and the valley wall, 

 and best of all a great spring which gives its name to the park has been 

 walled up and made to add its beauty and service to the scene. The 

 stream flowing from the spring is filled with watercress, which gives a 



