In the Open — The National Forests of Washington Fourteen 



long and from i to 5 miles wide, in the vicinity of Indian Racetrack, extends east 

 to Goose Lake and south to Lava Creek and South Prairie. Forest growth is 

 already changing this from a desolate barren into a timber-producing area of much 

 beauty. In the smooth lava near Goose Lake there are distinct impressions of a 

 pair of human hands and feet, which have caused considerable conjecture as to their 

 origin. It is the opinion of scientists who recently visited the region that these 

 impressions were cut in the lava by some Indian medicine man. 



An interesting lo-day trip starts at Guler and carries the traveler by way of 

 Mount Adams and the Cispus River divide to Mount St. Helens, through the beauti- 

 ful Nigger Head and Blue Lake countries, where excellent camping places and 

 abundant forage for horses can be found. The view from Craggy Peak ( north of 

 Blue Lake, and fairly easy to climb) is well worth the effort it requires. 



Return may be made by way of the Spirit Lake — Guler Trail, which passes 

 through some splendid stands of timber and also crosses the Lewis River burn, 

 where the effects of fire on the forests are very apparent. 



The Forest Service maintains a forest nursery and experiment station 10 miles 

 up Wind River Valley from Carson, Wash. Visitors have the opportunity of seeing 

 millions of baby trees growing under cultivation. Just before planting season 

 about 2,000,000 of these trees are taken up annually and shipped to planting areas 

 on the various Forests of Washington and Oregon, where they are set out to restock 

 areas on which fire has destroyed the natural tree growth. 



Five miles further up Wind River are Government Mineral Springs and Soda 

 Springs, which are accessible by automobile. Hotel accommodations are available 

 at Government Springs. The water from these springs is pleasing to the taste and 

 is credited with certain medicinal qualities. For persons who prefer to camp there 

 are suitable camp grounds. Wind River, a short distance from the springs, pro- 

 vides fair fishing. 



A number of interesting side trips may be taken from Government Springs. 

 The trip to the falls of Falls Creek is perhaps the most popular. These falls have 

 a total drop of about 250 feet and consist of a series of cascades and vertical falls. 

 They are located about 5 miles from Government Springs and may be reached by a 

 good trail. The timber near the springs is being logged, but areas immediately 

 adjacent and fringes of timber along the streams are being reserved for scenic 

 purposes. 



