ITINERARY OF THE ROUTE FROM FORT VANCOUVER TO FORT DALLES. 381 
difficult, from the steepness of the slopes, the loose stones, and fallen timber. Camp 
in a small prairie with good grass. 
August 25.—To camp on the summit of divide. The trail crosses the river four 
times; generally keeps to the mountain sides. It is very bad, being frequently 
steep, rocky, and much obstructed by fallen timber and brush. Before reaching 
the divide, it passes three or four small marshy prairies, with good grass. On the 
divide are four or five prairies of a similar nature and larger size. Dense growth 
of small spruce near the summit. Camp in small marshy prairie, with good water 
and grass. Small pond in the prairie. 
August 27.—Returned to near camp of 25th.. 
August 28.—Camped near where we first reached Nahchess on the 24th. 
August 29.—To Depot camp on Wenass. Descended valley of Nahchess. Trail 
generally in the valley; sometimes passes over high and short spurs; crossed the 
river twice. Trail generally good; rocky in two or three places; good grass. 
Left the valley, and crossed a long high spur, passing by a small lake. Opposite 
this spur the river runs through a very narrow and deep canon. Descend to the 
valley again by a rocky ravine. 
Followed the valley, which gradually widens out; trail rocky, and constantly 
ascending and descending from one low terrace to another ; where we re-entered 
the valley, a few small scrub-oaks; reached the trail where main party crossed on 
the 20th . 
Followed the old trail to Depot camp on the Wenass. 
September 3.—To camp at Ketetas. Trail passes over a high and rolling country, 
generally covered with angular fragments of lava. The ascent from the Wenass 
valley is quite steep. No trees on or near the trail. Descend through a narrow 
ravine, by a gradual slope, into the valley of a small stream; no grass; stream in a 
canon; a few small willows and cotton-woods border it. 
Ascend from the canon through a lateral narrow canon, much obstructed at first 
by fallen fragments of basalt. Pass over a high, rolling country, and descend into 
the valley of Ketetas by a long ravine; no water in this ravine ; then follows the 
valley of the Yakima; crosses a small and pretty stream just before reaching camp 
at the crossing, with good grass and wood. Abundant grazing for many animals . 
September 4.—To camp Tsai-it. Crossed the river at camp ; crossed three small 
rivulets soon after; pass along the level valley, with good bunch-grass all the dis¬ 
tance, and reach the Tehnam, a small but fine stream. 
Ascend a low plateau by a ravine with a gentle slope; pass over its undulating 
surface; enter open pine woods about two miles beyond the Tehnam, and again 
come in sight of the Yakima, near camp. Camp on a small prairie, which extends 
to the river. Grass not good. 
September 5 .—To camp Ksit-kas. Trail passes through open pine woods, with a 
few small prairies; cross the river twice, also several rivulets, and the Samahma. 
Valley level and broad. Camp in a large prairie, with good grass and water._ 
September 6.—To camp Aiyutas, on the divide; keep to the valley, through 
woods with very thick underbrush; cross one steep spur, descend into river bot¬ 
tom, and cross the river.... 
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