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Take a Hike  October 6, 1907 Sunday Oregonian Found the Valley. Israel
Patton of this place, and a cousin of the same name who recently came
out from the East, had an unpleasant experience in the mountains last
week. They started to cross the Siskiyous from Ashland to Grouse Creek,
going by the trail that leads directly from this place toward the
summit of Ashland Butte. They found so much snow on the mountains that
they couldn't follow the trail, and were soon bewildered and lost.
After wandering about for a day or two they came to a point where a
beautiful little valley opened to view far below them. "Now we're all
right," said Patton. "That's the valley of Cottonwood Creek, on the
south side of the range." They made directly for the valley, and soon
reached it, but were more bewildered than ever when they discovered
that they had come back into the valley they started from, a short
distance above Ashland. They will follow the stage road around as far
as possible hereafter.
Mt. Pitt. Mount
Pitt rears its grand old head high and majestically between the
northern end of Upper Klamath Lake and Rogue River Valley. It is very
seldom ascended, very few ever having the hardihood to venture scaling
its frowning cliffs. Eugene Recksecker, U.S. geological surveyor, made
the ascent a short time ago, and on the top of the hoary old peak
found, enclosed in bottles, the names of former adventurous mountain
climbers. On one strip of paper Rufus S. Moore's surveying party,
consisting of R. S. Moore, S. B. Low, R. A. Klippel, Dan S. Griffith,
John Klippel and W. H. Jordan, register themselves as having dined at
that place Monday, July 21, 1884. The bill of fare consisted of bread,
bacon and beans, with snow and ice cream for dessert. W. M. Mathes,
Peter Barneburg, W. M. S. VanDyke and H. G. Mathes register as having
made the ascent August 20, 1884. All express themselves as delighted
with the panorama spread out before their vision from the lofty
pinnacle, one of the highest peaks in the Cascade Mountains and
overlooking the entire Klamath Basin as well as Rogue River Valley.--[Star.
Visited Table Rock.Ashland Tidings, July 30, 1886, page 3 ASCENT OF MT. PITT.
Wm. Priest and G. H. Watt, with W. J. Fitzgerald as guide, ascended Mount Pitt on the 22nd, says the Sentinel. The
ascent was made from the northeast, which is one of the most difficult
points of ascent on the mountain, considerable of the distance having
to be made in the snow, which is steeper than the roof of a house, and
a very little slip would have precipitated the party on the rocks
below. It required six hours to make the ascent. They found the top of
the mountain nothing but rock, which comes to a sharp peak from which
they could stand and look down the sides of the mountain in every
direction. To the south and west the view was greatly obscured by the
smoke, but to the north and east a fair view of the various mountain
peaks and many lakes, including Klamath, were had.
On a pile of small rock was found three cans. On the outside of the cans the following was found: Will Matthes, W. S. Van Dyke, S. B. Low, Peter Barneburg, Phoenix, Aug. 30, 1883. Also J. W. McDonough, John Klippel, August 4, 1885. In another place was found the name K. Kerr without a date. Inside of a can on an envelope appeared the name of Wm. Turnham, Sams Valley, Aug. 20, 1884. On a card was written M. B. Kerr, topographer U.S. Geological Survey, K. C. Kerr, Washington, D.C., and J. R. McBride, California, assistants, June 26, 1886, 2 days from Ashland. On another paper was the following: Wm. Matthes, Peter Barneburg. W. S. Van Dyke and Harry Matthew. Feeling grateful to the Creator for all things for his mercy and wonderful works, we ask his blessing for a safe return. On this same paper was the name of a Cyrus Pickens, Table Rock. Another paper gave the following information: Mt. Pitt, latitude 42 degs. 28 minutes north, longitude 122 degs. 18 minutes west, altitude 10,800, which had a line drawn through it and 9,760 substituted. Signed, party No. 2, Cascade Section, Pacific Division, Department of Geography, June 25, 28, 29 and 30, 1886. Referred to Fort Klamath 4235 Ashland 1874. From this point Fish Lake bears S 20 degs. east, Four Mile Lake S 67 degs. east. On the back, reoccupied June 30th and July 1, 1887. On another paper were the names of Rufus Moore's surveying party, giving the bill of fare as follows: ENTREES:
Bread, Bacon and Beans. DESSERT: Pipe, Snow and Ice Cream. Added
to the above was July 23, 1887, 1 p.m., G. H. Watt and W. J. Fitzgerald
ascended by backbone on which is situated the big rock, leaving School
Supt. Wm. Priest of Jackson Co. at the snow line to recuperate, where
we expect to find him on our return.
LATER--3 p.m. I have arrived. Wm. Priest. After the party had enjoyed themselves rolling rocks down the mountain, they returned in about three hours to their camping place at Twin Lakes. Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 5, 1887, page 1 Last Friday, as a means of recreation and pleasure, Misses Edith Nicholson, Prudie and Kate Angle, Pearl Webb, Floyd White and Elvin Crutchfield made up a party for an inspection of the topmost point of Roxy Ann mountain. They report having had a most delightful time, a splendid view of our now most wondrous beautiful valley; gathered pebbles from the mountaintop--and got more fatigue than they could conveniently handle every day in the week. "A Grist of Local Haps and Mishaps," Medford Mail, May 7, 1897, page 2 Sunday seemed to be the day for excursions to various parts of the country; several parties took the climb to the top of Table Rock and enjoyed the fine view therefrom. "Table Rock Items," Medford Mail, May 17, 1901, page 3 Miss Mae McIntyre spent Saturday with Medford relatives and was accompanied home by her sister. On Sunday Clarence Meeker came out and with Mr. Sandals and Miss Grace Dickison made a party to climb the lower Table Rock. They ate lunch by a blazing bonfire and report a good time in spite of fog and clouds. "Table Rock Items," Medford Mail, November 22, 1901, page 3 Sunday
H. U. Lumsden and family, C. I. Hutchison and family and Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Metzger, of Logansport, Ind., had a most enjoyable automobile
trip to Table Rock. They climbed the rock and enjoyed to the full the
magnificent view from the summit. In telling of the trip Mr. Lumsden
said to a Mail reporter: "We
didn't take the machines to the top of the rock; there are some places,
you know, where the means of locomotion which nature provides us with
is superior to any other, the steep sides of Table Rock is one of them.
When we reached the summit Hutchison and I forgot that we were supposed
to be staid and steady men of family and business, and commenced
rolling rocks down the cliffs whenever we had an opportunity. At length
we came to the brink of a cliff over two hundred feet high. It was an
ideal place to roll rocks, and we took full advantage of it. The whole
party was standing on the edge, as near as they dared, in order to see
where the rock struck. It landed with a crash in the midst of a clump
of laurel--and then something happened that we hadn't bargained for.
Out of that brush patch leaped an immense buck, with spreading,
velvet-covered antlers and his smooth coat shining in the sun. Everyone
held his or her breath as the deer, with graceful bounds--seemingly
unfrightened--made his way around the cliff and out of sight. But you
should have seen those Indiana people. The sight of that deer alone was
worth all the trip to them. Then when we led them to the side of the
rock facing the main valley they could not express their admiration,
and no one can describe the scene. If you haven't seen Rogue River
Valley from the top of Table Rock, you haven't seen it."
Medford Mail, May 18, 1906, page 1 A couple of Medford's new citizens found Sunday that the world was pretty nearly as large one way as another. They took a stroll out along the P.&E. track to the edge of the desert and then a little beyond and thought they would return home by a new route. Pretty soon they ran into a lot of sticky of about the right consistency to stick and ploughed through that for some distance, finally emerging upon a good road and shortly perceived glimpses of a town through the trees. They, much surprised, supposed the city to be Medford and thinking they had reached it much sooner than they supposed possible, but it wasn't Medford but Central Point, and they were still nearly as far away from home as when they first turned back. It was four o'clock in the afternoon before they reached home, tired, hungry and each one swearing the other was a mighty poor guide. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 21, 1908, page 5 TELLS OF GREAT CHANGES MADE PAST 34 YEARS View from Summit of Table Rock Has Altered Greatly During Past Generation-- J. G. Martin Writes Interesting Article. To the Editor:
As the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, it seems the time of year when the mind of poor much-abused man inclines in green fields, climbing mountains and running brooks, so I thought I would hike away and spend a strenuous day in pursuit of pleasure and sightseeing in climbing the rough and rugged sides of the north Table Rock and note the present changes going on in beautiful Rogue River Valley and recall to mind my first visit and its impressions it gave in October 1876. Well, I left Medford, the city of progress and morality, at 6 o'clock in the evening, wrapped in stillness, and as I write, the weather man holds the key that promises a warm, clear sunshiny day, an ideal one for long-distance sightseeing. I found the county roads leading to the north Rogue River bridge noticeably straightened now and comparatively smooth and much improved with good bridges, culverts, drainage, fingerboards giving distances, etc., for the benefit of the modern traveler, and but for the constant dodging of teams, autos, clouds of dust, jaded dogs with their tongues out and tails half mast, a countless variety, apparently my walk to the rock would have been of but little interest to your many readers, but I reached the south base at 10 p.m., a bit leg-weary but game, and continued my walk around to the north side where I spent twenty-five years of my industrious life very pleasantly stirring the fire among the industrious law-abiding citizens of that rich agricultural section of north Rogue River that lies in the shadow of this historical mountain on the north, south and west and borders on the east by the clear waters of the majestic Rogue River that is clothed with a dense forest of cottonwood trees whose beauty and attractiveness is unsurpassed. My first greeting from an old settler was by Mr. Jack Rabbit, but I did not take him for a lamb and try to corral him like Dr. Oliver said his herder did. After resting for half an hour, looking over familiar scenes in Antioch and mountain districts, I began my climb on the only trail that leads by the only waters among the towering cliffs. Firs and the dense forests of the beautiful evergreen mahogany, where the indescribable varieties of sweet-scented mountain flowers grow so profusely. I reached the barren summit at 11:30 p.m. without accident, with no stir of life to be seen. Naturally a bit of loneliness crept over me, but I soon got interested in my bottle and graham gems and a comfortable seat on the soft side of a huge boulder overlooking the valley from the south. Here I recall my first visit from the point in '76, with dust rising from the overland stage coach, Jacksonville and central pioneer towns and a few farmhouses in the distance, hills and valleys dotted with countless horses and cattle, with no railroad nor telegraph or telephone lines. Thirty-four years of rapid, undreamed-of changes, improvements and developments, pictures to me an indescribable change as I sit looking over the beautiful fruitful valley in the distance, the curling of smoke from the furnaces of new manufacturing cities, magnificent farmhouses, orchards, shrill whistles from the various railroads, telegraph and telephone lines that circle the valley, checkered with endless fences are now to be seen, tells the whole story how a slow mossback southern Oregon then looked in 1876 and how the attractive picture looks today, May 1910. Well, feeling pretty well rested, I left the summit at 1:30 a.m. by the south trail, reaching my home in the city of Medford at 10 a.m., tired some, bruised some, with a strange itching all over, as though I had contracted a mild attack of the seven-year itch that I recall the pioneer Missouri kids were afflicted with that came to Oregon in 1852. J. G. MARTIN
Medford Mail Tribune, May 17, 1910, page 6
Under the direction of Will Steel, superintendent of the Crater Lake park, steps towards the organization of a local mountain climbing club were taken at a meeting Thursday night at the public library. Another meeting will be held next Thursday night to elect officers and perfect the organization. The club will promote hiking and mountain climbing, and a prize of $2 will be given for the best name of the organization. The club will be modeled after a similar organization in Portland. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, February 26, 1915, page 2 A number of persons belonging to the "hikers club" of Medford came over at two o'clock Sunday afternoon and visited the Opp mine situated about one and one-half miles west of this city, returning home at seven o'clock. They report a pleasant outing. "Local News," Jacksonville Post, March 20, 1915, page 3 The Grizzly club held their first "campfire" Thursday, April 1 at Grayholm, near Perrydale. Twenty-five members were present. The moon did not make its appearance until late in the evening, but a blazing campfire took its place. Each member took a tuber along, which they roasted in the campfire. Mr. Watt and Mr. English spent Tuesday afternoon preparing ten gallons of delicious cider, every apple of which they claim was washed thoroughly, Grizzlies being especially fond of cider. For some unaccountable reason the cups which are kept in the Grizzly club rooms in the Garnett-Corey Building were forgotten, Mr. English and Judge Taylor going back after them. The janitor reluctantly let them in and made the judge sign a receipt for them. Maybe the janitor had dealt with the judge before. We are not blaming the janitor. While the potatoes were roasting each member was required to tell a story, sing or in some way entertain his associates. A very delightful evening was spent by all, making it very evident that Grizzlies prevail. "Society," Medford Sun, April 4, 1915, page 5 HIKERS TAKE IN ORCHARDS FOR EASTER OUT
The Grizzlies made their regular Sunday hiking trip Sunday afternoon
through the orchard district south of Medford, and while the number
making the trip was smaller than usual, owing to the inclement weather
and Easter Day services, it was one of the most beautiful trips so far
made by the organization. Starting from the park, out Holly Street to
the county road, passing the Marshall and Hill orchards in full bloom,
the company wended its way east and south again through the various
small orchards to the east of the Potter Palmer and Budge orchards west
on the county road again, then climbing the Bratney Hill, where the
committee had coffee awaiting the company, and such coffee surely was
appreciated. We don't know the brand, but certainly can recommend it,
especially when Mr. Hoon acts as chef. After reaching the top of the
hill considerable excitement was caused discovering same was covered
with nests of Easter eggs. Miss Hinman seemed the champion in this
line, but generously divided same with those members of the party who
were unable to sprint so quickly among the hiding places. The view from
the hill with the orchards in full bloom must be seen to be
appreciated. One not having seen the orchards here in full bloom from
some commanding hilltop can hardly realize what they have missed. The
return trip was down through the Carpenter, Mrs. Holloway, Irwin and
other orchards to the Pacific Highway back to Medford. The Irwin and
Holloway orchards, being at full bearing age and large trees, are a
sight surely worth going out to view. They are apparently one solid
mass of blossoms. On the return trip two of our company walking a
little in the rear hailed a Ford car filled with passengers and boarded
the running boards for a ride to Medford, but the advance guard joined
hands across the highway, bringing the Ford to a stop, and the couple
gracefully alighted and finished the tramp to Medford with the balance
of the party, explaining they only wanted to "catch up" and did not
intend to ride [all the] way to Medford anyway.
The regular meeting of the club will be held at the library Thursday evening, when two hundred of the Kiser views of Crater Lake will be shown to the club and its guests. Medford Sun, April 6, 1915, page 5 GRIZZLIES CLIMB ROXY ANN
More than thirty Grizzlies made the climb to the top of Roxy Ann
Sunday, April 18th. Leaving Medford at 9:00 a.m. they rode to the end
of the streetcar line and walked the rest of the distance, going via
the Westerlund orchards. At the extreme top refreshments were served by
the committee composed of Mr. and Mrs. Bunce and the Misses Frazier and
Lonsburk [Lounsbury? Launspaugh?],
who deserve special credit for the unusually varied menu. Donations of
Barrington Hall coffee by Marsh & Bennett and of Green Meadow
butter by W. H. Brown were greatly appreciated. Much time was spent in
viewing the scenery from different points and in taking pictures. Mr.
Davies made a permanent monument to the occasion by chiseling the name
"Grizzlies" and the date on a large rock at the extreme edge of the
summit.
The return trip was made by a shorter but much steeper route. The crowd reached home at 7:30 p.m., having walked between seventeen and eighteen miles. The trip was the longest and most strenuous so far taken by the Grizzlies and was one of the most enjoyable. "Local and Personal," Medford Sun, April 20, 1915, page 2 Medford Boys Climb Mt. Ashland.
N.
S. Bennett of Medford took a party of seven boys to the summit of Mt.
Ashland Saturday, the climb being made by moonlight. Those going on the
trip were Russell and Clayton Bishop, Philbrook, Lester Bennett, Merle
and Cecil Rhodes and Ira Baker, all of Medford. The first camp was
pitched among the big ferns in Ashland Canyon. They started on their
climb at 1 o'clock in the morning, reaching the summit at sunrise. They
registered at the forestry station. They had a snowball fight and built
a snowman. Dinner was then served. The party returned to Medford Sunday
afternoon."In the Social Realm," Ashland Tidings, August 5, 1915, page 4 WOMAN TRAVERSES CASCADES' CREST Mrs. W. E. Herring, of Portland, with Husband Is First to Make Journey. COUPLE SLEEPS IN OPEN Government Engineer Completes Journey-- Valuable Water Power Found in Mountains May Be Harnessed. The journey was begun in the Cascades east of Portland in the middle of July and was completed in Medford yesterday. Mrs. Herring made this trip almost entirely on foot. She and her husband went for miles across country where no trails existed. Candles Not Needed.
The two months that Mr. and Mrs.
Herring were in the mountains they never lighted a candle but went to
bed with the sun. They carried no tent, but slept beneath the open sky.The engineer and his wife traveled through two snow fields at the altitudes of 7100 and 7500, respectively. The latter snow field was near Crater Lake. At Diamond Lake they found ice on August 16. They saw numerous deer and bear, but as Mr. Herring carried no gun he killed no game. His compass and aneroid barometer occupied his attentions. When crossing trout streams they would stop a few minutes to catch a mess. The order of day was to break camp at sunrise and walk until evening, covering 18 to 20 miles per day. Mr. Herring made numerous side trips, aggregating 400 miles. Forest Fires Observed.
As they came south, the couple
passed four forest fires. They arrived at Prospect in time to see the
fire which raged across the Rogue River. This was the most destructive
fire in Southern Oregon.For two weeks Mr. and Mrs. Herring stayed in this fire district. Mr. Herring aided in the efforts of the firefighters. Speaking of the trip, Mr. Herring stated: "We found an immense amount of horsepower stored in the rivers, but were somewhat disappointed in regard to the possibilities of the lakes as storage reservoirs. Most of the outlets are too wide to make damming practicable. The outlets, however, of several of the large lakes are narrow and will make good storage reservoirs. The storage of water is very necessary both to power and irrigation projects. If enough water can be stored to keep a plant running to full capacity during the dry season, which in this country last 100 days, a great saving can be effected. Storage Is Necessary.
"The value of storing water for
irrigation is apparent. The reservoir sites are so high up in the
mountains that the only feasible way would be to let the stored water
run down the natural channels during the dry months."The possibilities of power development along the Cascades have not been touched upon. There can, of course, be no development of power plants until there is a market for the power. In Southern Oregon a small portion of the power could be put to good use pumping water for irrigation. In the San Joaquin Valley 430 motors are used to pump water from the river and its branches for irrigation purposes." Other Trip Contemplated.
Next Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Herring
leave for another journey through the mountains. Herring is going to
look for power sites along Sucker Creek to the Illinois River, down it
to the Rogue and on to the ocean. He will also investigate the
possibility of opening a safe trail to the famous Oregon Caves out from
Grants Pass.Mr. Herring desires also to find a route for a trail down the Rogue River that will connect Grants Pass with the tidelands. He couple will finish their trip by October 15, at which time they will return to Portland, where Mr. Herring will make an extensive report of this trip. Morning Oregonian, Portland, September 26, 1910, page 13  A party on the summit of Mount Ashland around 1915. HASTY DESCENT INJURIOUS CAMPBELL BRUISED IN SLIDING DOWN ASHLAND BUTTE Came a Trifle Too Fast and Struck Rock, Which Refused to Budge-- Escapes Serious Injury Members
of the Presbyterian Church of this city who camped on Ashland Butte the
Fourth and fifth bring home a story of exciting incidents as well as
reports of an excellent trip.
THE TRIP TO OLD MOUNT PITTOne incident, while serious, was peculiar. Shooting down the steep slope of Ashland Butte, sitting on his overcoat in the snow, Will Campbell narrowly escaped having his brains knocked out on a rock Tuesday. Campbell had ascended the peak with a party of friends, and he attempted to take the steepest incline sitting on his coat. As he hurtled through space a rock loomed up in front of him. He turned, missing it with his head, but striking it with his elbow. When the party, which was composed of Ralph Pettinger, Mr. Bedford and Miss Alice Elder and Campbell, got to their camp, the latter was "all in." No serious results are expected, however, from the shakeup. Campbell's unusual experience was the climax to a two days' outing of a party of Presbyterians, members of the F.I.L. society. The party consisted of those named and of Rev. and Mrs. W. F. Shields, Charles Weaver, Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Johnson, Miss Arra Harrison and Miss Katherine Lantherman, who did not make the ascent at the time the first party did. They left Medford the morning of the Fourth of July for a trip to Ashland Butte. Arriving in Ashland, they had their blankets, good things to eat and themselves hauled to Long's Lodge [predecessor to Jesse Winburn's Sap and Salt], six miles from the top of the mountain. Four of the more venturesome of the party decided to make the trip to the top that night. Those that remained below waited until the climbers had plenty of time to get back and then started out to search for them, calling repeatedly. Presently they straggled in, all fagged, and the injured man almost down and out. They returned to Ashland. The remainder of the party rose at 2:45 the next morning and started their six-mile climb. When within one and one-half miles of the top they encountered snow, which was twenty feet deep. Conservative sliding was engaged in by all the party. The girls enjoyed themselves immensely on this natural toboggan, and the beautiful sunrise was almost neglected. The trip up the mountain was full of incidents. Once the party was separated by trying to follow two trails supposed to run parallel. The trail was excellent, and everyone reached the top. In the lower part it [was] wooded, but this thinned greatly as a higher altitude was reached, and higher no vegetation was to be seen. The height reached was 6000 feet above sea level. At the proper time the picnickers spread their good things beneath the sighing pines and engaged in a well-earned meal. They stayed over the night of the Fourth, remaining at Long's camp. It was so warm that they needed only one blanket. This is unusual for that altitude, which generally requires several blankets. The party returned to Medford the night of July 5, after having spent a Rooseveltian time. Medford Sun, July 8, 1911, page 5 TENDERFEET TIRE ON MT. PITT
EASTERNERS LOSE STEAM AT BASE OF HIGH PEAK High School Organized at Butte Falls-- Other Happenings at the New City BUTTE
FALLS, Or., Aug. 18.--William Hubenet of Joliet, Ill., and Charles
Johnson of Chicago came to Butte Falls Tuesday evening with strong
intentions of going to the summit of Mt. Pitt and back in one day. They
arose at the early hour of 5, starting on their journey at 6, and no
more was seen of them until 7 p.m. As near the top as they got was the
bottom. They claim to have started out on the right trail, but got lost
up in Mosquito Swamp. They cut across the woods about five miles to the
military road and wandered down it, then up Blue Canyon, finally making
up their minds they didn't want to go to the top of Mt. Pitt, and
started home. They arrived here, footsore and weary, at 7 p.m.
Johnson took a rifle along--one of the high-power persuasion--to get a deer or two. The deer he brought back was a lizard. Said he didn't go out for nothing. They also reported killing a digger squirrel. Medford Sun, August 19, 1911, page 4  July 27, 1913 Sunday Oregonian LONG "HIKE" IS BEGUN
MEDFORD, Or., July
26.--(Special.)--Four Medford youths departed Monday on a 300-mile
hike, accompanied only by their burros packed with their camp outfit.
These boys are: Robert Kinleyside, Roland Hubbard, James Vance and Earl
Hubbard. The route takes them for the greater portion of the
distance away from the beaten path, and only on one or two occasions
will they encounter civilization.MEDFORD YOUTHS TO MAKE 300-MILE TRIP. With "Pack Train" of Four Burros, Quartet to Walk Over Siskiyous to Coast. Leaving Medford, the boys went up the Applegate River a distance of about 25 miles, thence up Beaver Creek to the summit of the Siskiyou Mountains, which they will follow in a general way along the course of the Klamath River to the coast. There is a trail along this route, which many of the old gold hunters followed in the '60s, when the overflow from the California fields found its way to Southern Oregon. Only one or two points remain on the route where any human beings will be encountered, and not until the "pack train" reaches Crescent City, a distance of about 125 miles, will the boys report. On reaching the coast the route will be north through Crescent City to the mouth of Rogue River, up which stream they will pick out a trail that will take them in the vicinity of Grants Pass, where they will turn aside to explore the Marble Caves of Oregon. They expect to make the circuit in about five weeks, returning in time to accompany the Seventh Company of Coast Artillery, of which they are members, to Fort Stevens for the annual encampment on August 20. The boys are all members of the junior class of the Medford High School, and each year take a long hike or outing in the mountains. Last year the same four camped for six weeks on Klamath Lake and explored the surrounding country, including a trip to the summit of Mount Pitt, which was reached only after two attempts and many difficulties. The boys worked in the orchards after the close of school this spring, and earned sufficient money to buy their burros and camp outfit. They expect to bring back many tales of adventure and stories of the big fish and game bagged on the trip. Sunday Oregonian, Portland, July 27, 1913, page 10 Mrs. Palmerlee Tells of Mountain Climb
Tuesday, September
ninth, the Old Maid, the Old Bachelor, the Music Teacher, the Farmer,
the Merry Widow and the Anti-Suffragette decided that the psychological
moment for adventure had arrived. They started that afternoon for the
Lake of the Woods, planning to scale Mount Pitt the following day. They
pitched camp on the north shore of the lake, ate supper by a roaring
campfire and retired early that they might rise with the lark. The
Merry Widow found sleep impossible, because of the moonlight shimmering
across the lake and because a panther, three coyotes and a hoot-owl
insisted on having their practice not far away. All of this tended to
inspire a reminiscent mood and put Morpheus to flight.The party hit the trail soon after seven in the morning, with supplies for the day and two saddle horses. The chief objection to this trail was that it did not lead to Mount Pitt, so it had to be abandoned. The travelers turned into the woods, toward the mountain that challenged them from the distance. They stumbled over logs and struggled with buckbrush for several miles before reaching the foot of the mountain. The ascent was made on the south side of the ridge that slopes toward the east. It proved to be steep and rocky. In fact, the whole mountain seemed made up of ridges and canyons filled with volcanic rock and cinders. What an upheaval was there in ages past! One could say with Carlyle, "How thou fermentest and elaboratest in thy great fermenting vats and laboratory, O Nature!" As the ascent became steeper it was considered wise to leave the horses and wraps and lunch on a grassy ledge and proceed unencumbered, save for a telescope, some fruit and a bottle of water. Choice bits of scenery soon appeared. Four Mile Lake, Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake flashed into view, like lambent jewels set in a field of emerald, and the snow-crowned peak of Shasta seemed floating in mist. The elusive peak was reached at three-thirty. The patch of snow, that looked from below like My Lady's pocket handkerchief, proved to be a field of ice. The north side of the mountain gave every indication of the fact that when the eruption occurred the side blew out, leaving the peak. Down this side rocks roll now and then and, in winter, it becomes the path of avalanches. A glacier lies at the base through whose crevasses the water flows with sullen roar. From the summit one can see miles in all directions Klamath Lakes and Klamath Falls to the east, Crater Lake peaks to the north, Rogue River and valley to the northwest, Mounts Ashland and Wagner to the southwest, and Shasta to the south, with green-clad ranges between. The splendor of the panorama awed the wanderers into silence. For who would speak when all about him lies "the silent immensity and Palace of the Eternal, whereof our sun is but a porch lamp"? The descent was made rapidly, with an utter disregard for shoe leather, through a canyon filled with shifting cinders. In the haste and confusion the carefully marked trail was lost, and only the most diligent search with the telescope revealed it. The uncertain rays of a full moon made progress extremely difficult and not until half past nine did the welcome sound of the whinny of a horse greet their ears. They first devoted their attention to the Department of the Interior. Never did sandwiches and coffee and water seem so soul-satisfying. To attempt to go farther that night seemed useless, so between two blazing campfires they talked the night away. The following day they found no difficulty in traveling toward the rising sun until they reached their camp at Lake of the Woods. Now, aside from bruises and scratches, each and all have the memory of a wonderful vision to remind them of the days they've left behind. MRS. H. S. PALMERLEE.
Ashland Daily Tidings, September 22, 1913, page 7Interesting Story of the Climb to Southern Oregon's Highest Peak  Leaving Central Point upon the afternoon of the second, we drove to Brownsboro that night. The next day saw us climbing the grades upward to the mountain. Passing the McAllister's Springs at noon, we traveled over a wagon trail from there on to the head of Fish Lake. The road has been but partly cleared since the snows of winter brought the trees and snags across it, and in many places [it] is still difficult for a team. Fish Lake proved an ideal camping ground in many ways; plenty of grass for the horses and clear cold water with a camp in the heavy timber go far to make it ideal. The one great drawback is the flies and mosquitoes which abound at this time of the year. Camping there on the night of the third, we prepared for an early start up the mountain. Saturday dawned foggy, with the mountain hid in a veil of cloud. Leaving camp, we traveled the trail toward Fourmile Lake for perhaps two miles, when we found a ridge which looked promising and we left the trail and began the climb. Before we had proceeded a great way we entered the brush. It was the writer's first experience with "buck brush," and he now has a better conception of the hardships of travel in the brush than he ever had before. After passing the brush the timber was open with an easy ascent, making fine going. In fact, with the exception of the brush, the travel was good all the way to the timber line. After several miles of comparatively easy climbing we began to find more rock. Ledges and outcroppings on either side illustrated what lay before us. The grade increased so that it became necessary to zigzag along the face of the bluff. The first snow now appeared in the hollows, at first but a trace, but soon apparently in substantial drifts. As we approached the timber line, the mountain became more rough in appearance and the going increased in difficulty. One feature of mountain climbing is that as you become more tired the way grows more difficult as though the monarch of the hills resented your presence upon his summit. We were now upon the east side of the mountain, having gone around from the south end of it in our climbing. Looking to the south the mighty Shasta lifted its head in splendor, the only peak in sight which was above us. To the east the lakes of Klamath County began to appear. As we ascended, at every rest we could see more of these lakes until the whole country appeared to be dotted with the blue of distant water. Facing the hardest part of our climb, we gave all of our attention to the mountain. Working still more to the east we came out upon the main ridge leading up to the rim which is the summit of the mountain. To the north of us lay the snow fields glistening in the light air. Looking across we could see the crags which mark the north side of the mountain. As we ascended, at one point, marking the eastern limit of the rim there burst upon us a view that is unequaled anywhere else upon the mountain. At our feet the rock falls away in a precipice to the snow field. Across the snow rose the crags, great upstanding pinnacles of rock. High up to the left or west is the peak which marks the summit proper, its outlines indistinct in the cloud. Take a picture of the Matterhorn in the European Alps and you can form some idea of the beauty and grandeur of the view across the snow. Far below us the snow field fanned out and ended upon the rocks; far above us the summit showed indistinct in the clouds which the wind was whipping across the mountain; in front of us were crags and pinnacles of rock, their dark surface in brilliant contrast to the white snow. This one view well repays anyone for the entire climb of the mountain, and it can be secured in no other way. From this point the final climb is one which taxes the breath and measures the strength of a man. Up at an angle of 45 degrees and more, over volcanic rock, working around sharp points, ever climbing on a narrow ridge, not much time is taken in viewing the scenery; the one thought is to complete the climb. You think the summit is just ahead and behold it is still beyond you. You think that the next point is the summit surely, but it is not so. But at last the final spurt is made, the final ascent is ended, and the summit is reached. In one particular the mountain fulfills the promise made from here; the summit is a point. Not more than 15 feet in diameter at the top, it is composed of a pile of lava rock, thrown together by some great convulsion of nature. Hidden away in the rocks there is a metal box in which souvenirs of various kinds have been left, and wherein there is the book where you register, giving your name and the date of your ascent. In a metal tube two fine maps of the surrounding country are to be found. The register is full of names, and curious indeed are the mementos left in the box. Hairpins give evidence of the fair sex, pipes and tobacco of the sterner one, empty and loaded cartridge shells, anything and everything is to be found in this box. As to the view from the summit, to the south and east and partly to the north we were able to see, but the west was shrouded in fog, greatly to our disappointment. The Klamath lakes and valley, Mount Shasta and surrounding hills, and once, as the clouds lifted, Mt. Scott and the rim of Crater Lake was to be seen. The wind was blowing very strongly and it was as cold as January so we did not linger long, but descended a short distance and found a shelter from the wind in the rocks where we ate our dinner and washed it down with snow water. The descent was uneventful. We came down the south side of the mountain, sliding through the shale and coasting where there was snow, making as nearly a straight line to camp as the country would allow. We reached it at five p.m., having been absent eleven hours and a half. Breaking camp, we made a start on our homeward journey, arriving Central Point Sunday evening at ten o'clock, tired 'tis true, but well satisfied with our trip. Central Point Herald, July 16, 1914, page 1
BOYS MAKE TRIP TO ROXY ANN
Saturday, July 25th, the boys'
class of the Methodist Sunday school known as the Knights of Methodist
started from the church at nine o'clock to take a "hike" to the hills.
In the party were eight of the boys of the class, each one carrying his
lunch. Starting toward the creek, they hiked across the fields in the
direction of Roxy Ann. The hill seemed to be farther away as they
continued toward it, but undaunted they went on. The sun was hot, the
way dusty and often they stopped at farmhouses for a drink. Before many
miles were covered some of the number began to drag, but the will was
there and they would not give in. After three hours of hot, dusty
travel the party stopped for lunch at a dry camp on the slope of the
hill. Here two of the boys, Rhuland Anderson and Albert Hicken, elected
to remain while the rest, after but a short stop, began the ascent to
the summit. For some distance a trail was followed, and then we left
the trail to follow the pipeline which we discovered in the hope of
finding some water, for all were feeling the need of a drink.
Disappointment was in store, however, for the spring at the head of the
pipeline was dry. Starting from there on as direct a line as permitted,
the boys scrambled over rocks and through brush to the melodious cry of
one of their number, "I want water." All the boys seemed to be in the
I.W.W. class as far as that went. Suddenly the leader gave a shout; a
trickle of water was discovered in a little draw. It was only a little
and was dirty, so that under ordinary circumstances it would not have
been drinkable, but the boys could hardly be gotten away from it so
thirsty had they become.Rev. Creesy and Eight Boys of the Methodist Sunday School Make Long Hike to the Hills  Central Point Herald, August 6, 1914, page 1 SIXTY GRIZZLIES ON TABLE ROCK
Sixty Grizzlies, under the guidance of Cole Holmes, explored Table
Rock, top, sides and bottom, yesterday. Discarding jitneys at a point
near Gold Ray, the west side of the mountain was scaled. In order to
prepare for future climbs of Mts. Ashland, Wagner and McLoughlin, a
steep part of the bluff was chosen for the final spurt. Some difficulty
was experienced by a few of the heavier members at this point, but all
reached the top in fair condition.
Sandwiches, coffee and frankfurters were served by the committee at high noon. Dependable coffee was donated. The dogs were roasted by George Treichler. No [dog] licenses were reported found. All points of interest around the rock were visited and several Indian graves discovered. Near one of these a monument of rocks was erected, topped by a placard designed with a grizzly, the work of Blaine Klum. The descent was made by easy stages down the east slopes. Awaiting jitneys carried the crew to Medford. Pedometers registered eleven miles of steps. Medford Mail Tribune, April 12, 1915, page 1 PLEASURE TRIP TO TABLE ROCK
On March 27th, the eight grade
class of the Central Point Public School went on a picnic trip to Table
Rock. Each member of the class wrote a story describing the trip.
Prizes were given by the teacher for the first three best stories.
Beulah Wright won the first, John Dunlap second, and William Lyons
third prize.Eighth Grade Take a Trip to Table Rock and Write a Story of the Trip. Beulah Wright Won First Prize. The following is Beulah's story: Central Point, Oregon.
Central Point Herald, May 20, 1915, page 1March 29, 1915
Dear Lois:
I wish you were here now, for it is lovely. It is picnicking time here now, and that is the time I like best. The wheat is just peeping above the ground, the orchards are blooming, and a lovely view of the valley with all its splendor can be obtained from the surrounding mountains. One mountain of particular interest is Table Rock, because it takes a place in the history of Rogue River Valley. It is said that in the pioneer days, a band of settlers fought a battle with some Indians on top of the rock and the red men were driven over the edge. I always shudder when that story is related; just think of being hurled one thousand feet through space and then probably find yourself (if you are not dead) in a bed of thorns! [There is not a particle of truth in this familiar and intractable story. Veterans of the Rogue Valley Indian wars are recorded attempting to debunk the tale at least as far back as the 1880s.] This picturesque rock is one mile square and, as I have already told you, one thousand feet high. It was on this rock that my class decided to go for a picnic last Saturday, but when the day came the sun had hidden its face from view, and it looked as if we were not going to have a picnic, but by nine o'clock we decided to run the risk of getting wet, and our merry party climbed into the wagon and away we went! Our route lay beside blossoming orchards and green fields, which made the ride very pleasant. I agree with Stevenson in saying, "The world is so full of a number of things, I am sure we should all be as happy as kings." It is about nine miles to the rock, and traveling through the country I have described made the ride very interesting.  After crossing the bridge, the road was steep as we were nearing the rock, and we soon had to get out and walk, leaving the horses at a nearby farmhouse. We had to carry the lunch after that, but not very far, for we soon found a nice shady nook, by the river, where we ate our lunch. It was a nice cozy spot, with plenty of trees and grass, where the river made a little bay. After exploring our picnic grounds we started to get the lunch ready. A fire was built, and two sticks were stuck in the ground on each side of the fire with another one across those sticks upon which we placed the chocolate to boil. Meanwhile we girls spread the cloth and unpacked the lunch. We ate and ate and ate, but finally we finished and started on our way to the rock, carrying oranges with us to eat when we reached the summit. Before we started on our upward climb we gathered up what remained of our lunch and put it in a safe place to eat when we returned. Jeanette, Marie and I took off our skirts and climbed the mountain with our bloomers and middies on, which was very much easier and a great deal more fun. Up and up we climbed, but still we did not reach the summit. We traveled over grass, sand and through brush, but the most interesting of all were the large beds of rock. It's fun to walk over them, and they are laid so closely, loosely together that if you are not careful you might loosen a great many of them and they would all come tumbling down at once. When we were almost at the top we stopped to rest at a place where two large rocks stood up side by side with only a narrow pass between. As the rocks were moss-covered we climbed upon them and they made a very comfortable seat. We rested a few minutes and then started upon our climb again. After going a little ways we came to a small ravine, went up here and then, behold! We were on Table Rock. I was surprised to find that it didn't look as I expected it would, with a flat surface of solid rock, and hardly any trees, but instead the ground was quite rough in some places; where there were no rocks the ground was quite soft, and when it rains you mire about six inches; there is also some shrubs and several trees on the rock, though they cannot be seen from the valley. As soon as we reached the rock we crossed over to the south side to get a better view of the valley, and as our teacher, Mr. Atwood, had his field glasses with him, we could see the surrounding towns of Medford, Ashland and Jacksonville. We viewed the country, ate oranges, threw rocks over the edge of the mountain (one of the girls threw one over that reached the base in four seconds), and altogether spent a very pleasant hour on Table Rock. After awhile Mr. Atwood suggested going down the rock, but although we followed reluctantly, we were soon glad we came, for it began to rain just as we reached the base of the rock. We came down on the south side of the rock where we found a narrow (almost perpendicular) pass. It was really funny to see us coming down that narrow pass, the wind blowing the dust into our faces, each one trying to get down as fast as possible, and thus knocking rocks on the one in front of him. I was hit with two or three of them and know how it feels. Finally we reached the bottom, but not, however, without an accident. Jeanette was standing at the base of the rock watching some of the others descend; she luckily saw the rock coming and leaned her head against the rock, but she did not escape it altogether, for it grazed the top of her head. Although the wound was not serious it bled a great deal, and they thought she was going to faint when it first hit her. We were now at the bottom of Table Rock but not nearly to our camping place, and as it was raining we wanted to get there as quickly as possible. We started hurriedly forth and kept together better than we did when coming up the mountain. When we entered the brush we lost sight of the others, and though we spent some time trying to find them, we could not, so we started out to find the way ourselves. After fruitlessly searching for the path, we decided to take the way leading to the river and then follow the river path to our camp. This we did, picking all the flowers along the way, and as it had now stopped raining and the sun was shining brightly, this was a pleasant occupation. When we made our belated appearance they were ready to eat. After we had finished eating, we put out our fire and, carrying our flowers, walked slowly over the hills to where the horses were waiting for us. We climbed into the wagon and started for home. The horses, however, were not as tired as we were and they sped merrily onward. We reached home at 6 o'clock, just as the sun was setting over the western hills. We were tired but happy, and some of us are still suffering from poison oak, but the fun we had made up for it, don't you think so? Your loving friend, JEAN BROWN. GRIZZLIES ARE SNAPPED BY MOVIE MAN
Forty-six members of the Grizzly club with several visitors left
Medford Hotel Sunday morning at 5 o'clock for the summit of Grizzly
Peak, east of Ashland. The party was conveyed by automobiles to the
railroad crossing three miles south of Ashland, where the machines were
abandoned and the most strenuous hiking trip in the history of the club
was commenced.
The trip was designed as a test trip for membership in the club. One of the requirements for membership in the organization is to walk from the Southern Pacific tracks to the summit of Grizzly Peak and back. Although the trip was a long and difficult one, with no water except what little could be carried along, every member of the party succeeded in making the complete ascent. While on the way to the summit and along the Dead Indian Road, the party by appointment met the genial A. C. Allen with his moving picture camera, who, after staging the scene, proceeded to run off many feet of film showing the Grizzlies in action. The club feels highly honored in being asked to act for the movie man and to be the first organization for the purpose of obtaining moving pictures of its organization at work. After the last member of the party arrived at the summit, an old-time picnic dinner was served. The committee discovered that the supply of water was exhausted and that consequently the much-needed coffee could not be made, and that to make the return trip without water or anything to drink would be almost an impossibility for many of the members. But, thanks to Mrs. Bunce, who discovered a bountiful supply of snow, which was soon melted, drinking water and coffee made, and a dinner served that will never be forgotten by any member of the party, for this was at least one time in the lives of all that refreshments were actually necessary. At 6 o'clock, and after the party had somewhat recuperated and refreshed and witnessed a real snowball fight and toboggan slide on the snow on the 30th of May, and had the pleasure of viewing one of the most wonderful and beautiful pictures that nature has ever painted or of which man has ever dreamed, the return trip was commenced and made over a different route, which brought the party out at the old mill on the Pacific Highway, north of Ashland, at 11 p.m., where the autos were waiting to convey the party back to Medford. No one who has ever had the pleasure of viewing the Rogue River Valley from this peak, with the great systems of mountain ranges on every side and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin and Mount Ashland in the distance, will ever regret making the trip to the summit of Grizzly Peak. Medford Sun, June 2, 1915, page 3 GRIZZLIES TO VISIT TABLE ROCK SUNDAY
The
first all-day outing of the Grizzlies for this season is planned for
next Sunday, leaving the Washington School on West Main and Oakdale at
8 a.m. by autobus, out over the desert, crossing the Rogue River at
Bybee Bridge to Col. Washburn's ranch at the base of the peak, and from
this point will start the hike, following Grizzly Canyon, which leads
to the top. This canyon has many points of interest to offer in way of
caves and crevices and freak rock formations, a most interesting place
but seldom visited and should be better known by people of the
community.
This is your opportunity to visit this great point of interest and enjoy a good day's outing. You'll live longer, feel and look better and take more real interest in life by joining this excursion. Take plenty of good eatables with you--you may get hungry before the day is over. As usual, the committee will furnish plenty of good hot coffee. Those going will please notify the committee. Howard Hill or John Goodrich, that they may arrange for the necessary conveyance. Medford Mail Tribune, March 29, 1916, page 2 GRIZZLIES' HIKE TO BALDY'S SUMMIT MOST ENJOYABLE Undaunted by
threatening weather conditions, a good-sized group of Medford Grizzlies
yesterday made the ascent of Baldy, the foothill to the east of
Phoenix. The trip was made on foot from Main and Central streets to the
summit, and then down the opposite slope to Phoenix, a total distance
of about fourteen miles. At Phoenix a bus awaited the travelers for the
home stretch. The first lap ended in a natural park 400 feet from
Baldy's summit, which has been dubbed by the Grizzlies Camp Hi Jinks.
There luncheon was spread and huge pots of the far-famed Grizzly coffee
was brewed over the campfire. Appetites sharpened by the tang of the
morning air and by the stimulating exercise were finally appeased, and
after an hour of relaxation the final ascent of the summit was made.
From this lofty height the hikers were rewarded with such a magnificent
panorama of the valley as is rarely surpassed.
The descent led through a region of intense geological interest, the marvelous caves and natural stone castles of Quigley Rocks being explored and examined. Credit for the success of the day's outing is largely due to the efforts of the committee, Mr. and Mrs. McKee and Mr. and Mrs. Bunce. Yesterday's trip was in a measure a warming up for the conquest of Grizzly Peak, to be made next Sunday. All members are required to attain this height to qualify for full membership in the Grizzly Society. All are urgently invited to swell the crowd on this occasion, and those interested may communicate with the chairman of the committee for that trip, Cole Holmes. Medford Mail Tribune, May 22, 1916 30 HIKERS COMPLETED HARD CLIMB
Thirty
of the 45 hikers who started on the moonlight climb to the summit of
Mt. Wagner Saturday night reached the peak of the mountain at 9 o'clock
the following morning--the last two and a half miles of the hike made
in a snowstorm, and over a snow-covered, perilous mountain.One Slight Accident Mars Trip Made by 45 Saturday Night The hikers left the Plaza at 7:15 Saturday evening and reached the Skyline Mine in three and a half hours. Here they enjoyed a midnight supper and rested until 4 o'clock in the morning, when 34 started on the remaining climb, reaching the summit at 9 o'clock. One of the hikers, meeting with a slight accident just after leaving Skyline Mine, together with three friends returned and waited there for the return of those completing the hike. They returned to Ashland about 3:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, tired and worn, but unanimous in declaring the hike a real success. Those making the hike were: Irene Clark, Ethel McCormack, Helen Vawter, Virginia Hooper, Lorraine Sparr, Emily Taylor, Lillian VanNatta, Esther Gardinier, Frances Hardy, Iris Hubbard, Muriel McCutcheon, Sylvia Greenleaf, Clara Atterbury, Etta Mathers, Bonnie Pollard, Bernice Bergoyne, Laura Woolfolk, N. W. Wells, Harold Allison, Culver Anderson, Emerson Pratt, Roland Jones, Milton Franklin, Lester Gardinier, Lauretta Davis, Tom Beswick, Wilson Torrence, Paul Atkin, Delmar Hubbard, Homer Osborne and Orie Moore. Ashland Daily Tidings, undated clipping circa 1928. In the margin of the clipping is written: "Skyline 4:15 - Summit 9:15 - Skyline 12:00 - Home 1:30." ITCH AFTERMATH VIEW OF VALLEY FROM ROXY ANN
Darrell Huson, the Sixth Street sweets and food merchant, and Kenneth
Anderson, local weather man, having long had an itch to view the valley
from the top of Roxy Ann, did so Sunday, as a result of which Darrell
will soon be in the midst of another itch and will not go moseying
around anymore at that high elevation.
The two young men chums, with two other couples as chaperones, drove up as far as their car could go Sunday, and then hiked on up to the summit. On the return trip down the side of the mountain, it seems that the car gave a sudden lurch and precipitated Darrell, who was standing on the running board, to the ground some distance away. He hit mother earth with his nose plowing into a poison ivy [sic] clump, and to extract the smeller from this vegetation Darrell put forth his hands in pushing it away. It was a rash incident, but although his nose or hand had not broken out yet late last night Darrell has been living ever since Sunday in terror of having his facial beauty temporarily disfigured. He knows that the dreaded rash will break out and that he will itch, itch, itch--and then some. His friends share in the worry, too, for they fear he may catch a bad cold at the same time, which with his disabled beak and sore hands would be very embarrassing, and threaten a grand blowout. Medford Mail Tribune, April 15, 1930, page 4 Last revised September 14, 2017 |
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