The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., July 31, 1914, page 1
WHITE SALMON'S TRIBUTARY COUNTRY
RICH, DAIRY, TIMBER AND HAY DISTRICT
Trip through Husum, Gilmer, Camas Prairie and Trout Lake
Reveals Wonderful Productiveness of Western Klickitat
as Well as Great Development Going On.
Through the courtesy of C.I. Colburn, Landlord of the Colburn Hotel of this city, the editor had the pleasure on Monday of last week of taking his first trip through White Salmon's back country, more particular known as Gilmer, Camas Prairie, Glenwood and the Trout Lake valley. Leaving White Salmon in the Colburn automobile early in the morning the party traveled to Husum passing along some of the finest orchards ever seen. At Husum, the Glenwood road was taken and Host Colburn, who knows every spot along the road, began telling some of the pioneer history of this and that place which made the trip doubly interesting. Nearing the Mt. Adams Orchard Co.'s properties, the automobile was stopped and Mr. Colburn led the party over a narrow path for a short distance where stood a giant of the forest, a pine measuring 33 feet around at the bottom, or 13 feet in diameter, and so high that it was impossible to see the top. From here the trip was resumed, passing through the rich little Gilmer valley where numerous young orchards are thriving and where fine crops of hay and grain were growing to perfection. The road once more ran through the timber upon leaving Gilmer until shortly it emerged into the famous Camas Prairie, one of the richest dairy, hay and stock sections of the northwest, where ranchers were cutting enormous clover crops, and where fine stands of grain were growing here and there. The condition of the farm houses and barns indicated that prosperity was on every side. Laurel and Glenwood are the business centers of the Camas Prairie and good towns to live in. After taking a good square meal with Landlord Henry Hansen of the Glenwood Hotel, the trip was resumed toward Trout Lake. It was one of the grandest sights to view Trout Lake Valley from the summit of the mountain to the east. It was a picturesque scene as one looked over the entire famous dairy district. The ranchers were in the midst of the haying season and the crop is one of the largest in the history of the valley. The Trout Lake creamery is a busy place, and its outfit runs from one ton to one and half tons per week of the famous Trout Lake butter, the demand for which is constantly increasing. The town of Trout Lake is the trading center as well as the tourists haven as the Mountain Brook Inn is renown for its hospitality and fine cooking, among tourists and vacationists who enjoy mountain climbing and fishing. Guler, a short distance away, is also an attractive resort with its fine hotel managed by J.E. Reynolds. Mt. Adams, 12, 439 feet in height, a popular attraction for the mountain climber, towers over the beautiful Trout Lake valley, 8 miles distant from Guler or Trout Lake. Summer visitors crowded the hotels, and campers had their tents stretched between the two towns and adjoining the lake which is the fisherman's paradise. It is reported that there were over 40 persons from The Dalles alone camping and stopping at the hotels, and everybody was having a good time. In the foot hills nearby are numerous and interesting ice and lava caves. The lava cave, two miles southwest of Trout Lake was explored by the editor and friends and he must say that this one cave alone is worth the trip, to say nothing of the ice caves, the sight of the famous snow peak Mt. Adams, the picturesque valleys, the fine timber and the splendid orchards. This trip is most delightful, returning home along the White Salmon river with its canyons, falls and forests. Every new trip comes in the nature of an eye-opener to the writer. The White Salmon Valley and its tributary country is indeed wonderfully rich in varied resources and attractions. It must be seen to be appreciated. Mere words or even pictures cannot tell the whole story.
[HOME]
© Jeffrey L. Elmer