The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., September 1, 1933, page 3
MT. ADAMS, LOCAL SUMMER RESORT AND WINTER PLAYGROUND
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Trout Lake Valley, Rich Farming Community, At Foot of Famous Peak -- Gateway
for Mountain Climbers
By Emma G. Hayes
Residents of the northwest are especially fortunate in having within easy reach the many magnificent snow capped peaks of the Cascades, yet comparatively few avail themselves of their opportunities to enjoy the exhilaration of getting above the clouds or investigating the wonders to be found at the various altitudes on these sentinels of the range -- an inexpensive recreation fraught with educational value. For unsurpassed scenery, mountain climbing (safe or with thrills aplenty), fishing and more fishing, hunting, exploring or just plain loafing, it is hard to beat the several hundred square miles of Washington known as the Mt. Adams country. Highways are being completed, new ones constructed, old roads and trail improved. Just now, several hundred C.C.C. boys under Army control, supervised by the Columbia National Forest reserve men, one camp at Peterson Prairie, south of Mt. Adams, and the other farther north and west at Twin Buttes, are clearing trails and improving roads, an aid in preventing or fighting the devastating forest fires that too often menace the state, destroying millions of dollars worth of valuable timber. Completion of the Satus Pass highway last year has been responsible for a surprising increase in travel thru Yakima, down to the Evergreen and Columbia Gorge highways. So, this little known mountain with its ten named glaciers, which feeds or give rise to such mighty rivers as the Cowlitz, Cispus, Lewis, White Salmon and Klickitat, is becoming more accessible to the public. Roads, more roads and better roads, is the eternal cry of the northwest and it takes consistent and persistent hammering away to get them, but no effort is entirely lost. Local residents, politically powerful men, wealthy men, keen business men throughout many states, and last but not least, Forest Reserve men have labored long and earnestly to get appropriations for that fifty-six miles from White Swan to Glenwood, the missing link that will permit traffic from Seattle or Spokane over National highways thru Yakima down the proposed road through Trout Lake and White Salmon valleys to the Evergreen, Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood Loop Highways that will not only afford the motorist 600 miles of the world's scenic wonders, but will expedite shipping and otherwise bring all the cities of the northwest in closer contact. For the benefit of those making a first trip to Mt. Adams, and to whom time is an important factor, the drive can be made from Spokane to White Salmon in eight hours, from Seattle via Vancouver, Washington, in about the same time; two hours from Portland, over either the Columbia Gorge or Evergreen highways and an hour from The Dalles, Oregon. Those coming from the west may start north from Carson, Washington, past Government Springs to Oklahoma Ranger Station. Driving 25 miles straight north from White Salmon, always in sight of the turbulent White Salmon river or Trout Creek, brings one within the hour to the Guler Farm Resort, rambling farmhouse and separate cabins. Its several hundred level acres spread out in the center of Trout Lake valley. Originally established more than forty years ago by young Christian Guler (the second white man to build a permanent home in the valley), this hostelry has been patronized by a vast variety of people -- home seekers, adventurers, mine prospectors, scientists, authors, outlaws, globe trotters, nature lovers -- undoubtedly if walls could speak, many a romance or tragedy would be unfolded. A casual turning of the leaves of the register covering the records for the past year or two reveals the names of guests from far and near -- Spokane, Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Portland, Seattle and local communities. And as of old, it is not uncommon to find days when the dining room is taxed to capacity to care for patrons in the house as well as campers spending the week-end nearby and small wonder, for besides serving an abundance of delicious food, it is a logical starting point for the many and varied attractions in this section of the Cascades. The average visitor of today (if it happens to be his first trip) arriving at the center of the valley (high enough to stimulate, yet safe for the weakest heart, altitude a bit less than 2000 feet) responds to his surroundings as did those who nearly half a century ago, struggled up the 25 miles from the Columbia river afoot or horseback. He fills his lungs with air that extends blue and bluer to the dome of sky -- to infinity, gazes at lofty, rugged, snow covered Mt. Adams, the second highest peak in the Cascades, rising to its height of 12,307, an enticingly short distance away -- his to explore; at Sleeping Beauty, patrician features silhouetted against the sky, arms folded in eternal sleep, and becomes enveloped in a tranquility that blots from his vocabulary the word "hurry", at the towering forests, promising adventure, inviting hunting. Passing the very dooryard is rushing Trout Creek. Game trout dare his skill as they flip clear of the sparkling water, which has its rise in a crystal lake in the mysterious wilderness west of Sleeping Beauty, does its bit to raise the level of Spring fed Trout Lake on the Guler farm, then rushes noisily on to merge with White Salmon river. In no sense does the stranger feel "hemmed in" -- for the valley spreads wide to the south. If he does not care to climb Mt. Adams, he may motor to 5000 or even 7000 feet up its slopes and get a panoramic view (if visibility is at all good) of southern Washington, the Columbia Gorge, miles of Oregon with magnificent Mt. Hood and its famous valley that dwarfs all former experiences -- new thrills intrigue and old worries become unimportant. The friendly welcome accorded by Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Reynolds, owners and proprietors of the resort for 20 years, adds to the atmosphere of freedom. Interesting trips too, hiking or horseback (part way) are visits to some of the compact "Lookout" stations, where the occupant apt to be a college student accumulating shekels wherewith to continue his education, will welcome a caller with glee, for three to five months is a long, long time for the average youth to live alone anywhere, to say nothing of becoming atop of the world during that period. The caller will glean that the job of ranger is for men only. There are contrasting choices -- one may lazily angle in nearby Trout Creek, or bag big ones in Big and Little Goose Lake to the west and add his guess to millions of others as to how, when and why, the moccasin and hand prints, as well as deer prints, were left in the crater bottom of Big Goose Lake. One guess is as good as another. Ice and lava caves of great beauty and of huge dimensions never cease to interest even old timers. The annual trek to the huckleberry fields has become a big affair, and well worth witnessing, even tho one does not care for the fun of camping and gathering the delicious fruit. A continuous stream of people, every shade of white and brown, in all imaginable vehicles or on nags, literally swarm into the fields covering many miles. Last year Forest Rangers estimated by a careful check on the out-going pickers that 60,000 gallons of huckleberries were harvested during the season. Trout Lake valley itself (in reality the northern portion of White Salmon valley), is an inspiration with its thousands of almost level acres, sloping gently from the base of Mt. Adams to the south, where the combinations of deep soil, volcanic ash and ample water, will grow almost anything. Tho during the passing years many surveys have been made, its residents are still 25 to 30 miles from the nearest railroad. While the latter always adds to the commercial value of a community, the lack of it has not interfered with the prosperity of this district, for they find no difficulty in disposing of whatever they raise for shipment, and are dependent on the outside for comparatively little. In local as well as County and State Fairs, they display above average grains, vegetables, hay and fruits (the latter raised for home consumption only, however). Their factories have a steady market for all cheese and butter produced. One may purchase from the Trout Lake butcher choice cuts of fresh meats, sausages and high grade cured meats -- all from inspected, home raised cattle and swine. Another commercial commodity at hand is the variety of timber, for here may be found forests of Douglas fir, Balsam fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce and Mountain hemlock; however, the dairy industry is of major importance and the well fenced, emerald hued pastures are dotted with pedigreed stock. Not a few, but the majority of the farmers own beautiful modern homes equipped with water, telephones and where desired electricity, all supplied by local companies. Grade and high schools are efficiently conducted in modern buildings. A large proportion of their high school graduates continue their studies in higher educational institutions returning from college and university to carry on the job of their forebears. Love for the country is deep rooted. It is not uncommon to note among the names of those engaged in activities promising benefit to the community today, a second or even a third generation of pioneer heritage. Those people do not consider it a hardship when deep snows blanket the earth for days -- sometimes weeks, but enjoy to the full winter sports, coasting, skiing, skating, old fashioned sleighing parties and many other social activities. Therefore, as a delightful home location, the Mt. Adams country needs no lauding, but as a vast playground, the half has never been told. Those who have reached the summit of Mt. Adams from the southern slope feel they have not lived in vain, but few, perhaps less than a dozen, have braved the rugged wilds encountered by circling its base, trip that cannot be hurried, and still fewer have viewed the wonders described in C.R. Rusk's "Tales of a Western Mountain," containing a graphic and authentic account of the awe-inspiring grandeur meeting the eye of the daring Alpinist who scales the walls of the "Castle", the topmost peak where on the north side misty water falls take a thousand foot plunge over gigantic, many hued rocks and disappear under vast ice fields. During the ascent on the south trail one passes thru great fields of vivid Indian paint brush, purple Lupine and white Sqawbrush which extends clear to the timberline (7000 feet). Wilhelm Suksdorf, botanist of international fame, classified 480 species of plant life from Mt. Adams alone. Many specimens occupy conspicuous places in recognized verbariums of the world today. One may view too, great walls cut through 15 to 30 feet in pure sulphur.True, much has been done to place this section with the reach of Nature lovers, but no one recognizes more keenly than the old timers that much more is needed. Because of world conditions for the past few years, many well laid plans have had to be abandoned immediately after harvesting a huge acreage of oats, standing higher than a man's head. Mr. Reynolds intends to convert the space into a landing field for planes, and it is amply large and otherwise admirably adapted to the purpose. Conditions are suitable too, for an ideal golf course, for those who prefer amusement less strenuous than mountain climbing. Tennis courts will be restored and additional swimming pools built. Among the guests at the Guler Farm resort last week end -- including those spending the season -- were, from Portland, Bert E. Haney, prominent attorney and member of shipping board and Mrs. Haney; Mr. and Mrs. Harpke; R.C. Bradshaw, attorney, wife and two sons; Mrs. Daniel Kern and Miss Kern; Mrs. Joycelyn Foulkes, musician and lecturer for symphony concerts and operas; S.G. Grimes; Constance R.S. Ewing; Hilda Lancefield; and D.E. Stewart. From The Dalles, Judge and Mrs. Meredith; Mrs. Maynard; Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Houghton and guests; Henry Thode, in charge of Elks Temple; Mr. Bennet, district postal inspector; Mr. Carlton Pepper, attorney; Mr. and Mrs.H.L. Kuck. From Oswego, Ore., Mr. and Mrs. Willard Boutwell; from West Linn, Ore., Mrs. E.L. Boutwell, from Seattle, Mr. and Mrs. S.H. Waterman and daughter, Louise; Mr. and Mrs. N.J. Frogn. From Hood River, Oregon, Mr. Foreman, Mgr. A. Gross store, and Mrs. Foreman and guests; from Chicago, Dr. and Mrs. Wein, of the Army, in charge of C.C.C. division and Lieut. Boise, also of the Army, and his wife. From Los Angeles, Mrs. Elise Smith and from Oakland, Calif, Mrs. Harry Kuck and daughter. Local visitors were R.J. Robertson, White Salmon postmaster, and family; Dr. W.H. Warner; C.H. Estes, White Salmon realtor; O.F. Gardner, mortician of White Salmon and Stevenson; John Roberts (Mt. Adams D'Anjou Pear Orchards) and family; W.O. Maurer, foreman Mt. Adams Orchards, and family; Harold Hood, orchardist and family; Sidney Thompson and wife, growers of extra fancy cherries; Ms. Rachel Eversole, owner of the Glades Ranch and "globe trotter."
This article also contains photographs of:
View on Glenwood / Mt. Adams "Snow Line" Auto Road
Trout Lake Valley Hay Fields
Trout Lake Valley and Mt. Adams
In The Big Forest
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© Jeffrey L. Elmer