NARRATIVE OF 1853. 129 
high on either hand. In about ten miles the valley becomes narrow and the path rough and 
difficult, going in many places along steep rocky hill-sides. In about five miles further are a 
chain of lakes which extend to the headwaters of Little Water river, a tributary of the Big 
Blackfoot. The trail keeps along the margin of these lakes, sometimes in water, and in high 
water cannot be used. Upon reaching the divide the country is more level, the mountains 
recede towards the east, and small streams come in from both sides, but principally from the 
east, and soon form quite a stream. The country is wooded with pine, and much fallen timber 
occurs. Some low, swampy places occur on the first lake of Little Water river, and at ten 
miles from the divide the trail crosses a large stream, not passable at high water, which is 
supposed to be the principal fork of Little Water river. After crossing this stream the trail 
crosses a low divide, then passes along two or three little lakes with no outlet, then through 
open pine woods and prairies to some creeks running in a westerly course to the Blackfoot 
fork, before reaching which the country opens into a large prairie; crossing a large stream 
coming in from the east, the trail passes on direct to the Blackfoot fork. 
This route has plenty of wood, water, and grass, but is only fit to be passed over in dry 
weather, and could only be made practicable for wagons by a great outlay of labor; in wet 
weather or spring time it would be impassable. 
