FROM MOUTH OF CLARK’S 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 time 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 
nty camp, near the fort, determined the latitude to be 48° 33k 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 feet 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. 
