Randolph B. Marcy: The Prairie Traveler

X.—From Lawson’s Meadows, on the Humboldt River, to Fort Reading, via. Rogue River Valley, Fort Lane, Oregon Territory, Yreka, and Fort Jones.

Miles.
	Lawsons ’s Meadows to
18 1/2.	Mountain Spring.—Road leaves the Humboldt, and takes a northwesterly course 12 miles to a spring of good water. Good bunch-grass to the left of the road, and a small spring at the camp. The road is plain on leaving the river, but after a few days it becomes faint. Road from this point passes over a desert country for about 60 miles, without good water or much grass.
38 1/2.	Black Rock Spring.—Road level and hard, with little vegetation. In 14 miles pass springs, but the water is not good. In 16 iles the road passes a slough which is difficult to cross; wate not good, but can be given to cattle in small quantities. In five miles from this the road passes Black Rock, mentioned by Colonel Frémont in his trip from Columbia River in 1843-4. Three miles farther pass boiling springs, very hot, but good cooled. Grass pretty good..
20 1/4	Mountain Rill.—Water good; bunch-grass in the vicinity. In eight miles’ travel the road passes a beautiful creek of pure water, with good grass.
5 3/4.	Lake (Marshy).
10 1/2.	High Rock Cañon.—This cañon is 25 miles long, with wild and curious scenery. Road crosses the creek frequently, and the mud is bad. In the autumn the road is good..
14 3/4.	High Rock Cañon. Small Creek—Beautiful country, with the greatest abundance of water and grass; also fuel.
18 1/2	West Slope or Sierra.—Road passes over the mountain, which is steep but not rocky, then descends to a small creek of good water which runs into Goose Lake. Good grass and fuel. Look out for the Indians, as they are warlike and treacherous here.
7 3/4	East shore of Goose Lake.—Excellent camp.
16 1/4	West shore of Goose Lake.—This is a beautiful sheet of fresh water; great quantities of water-fowl reasort to this lake.
16 1/4	Slough Springs.—The road passes over a very rocky divide, covered with loose volcanic debris, very hard for animals, and wearing to their feet. They should be well shod before attempting the passage.
18 1/2	Marshy Lake.—Road difficult for wagons.
15	Clear Lake.—Beautiful lake of pure water, with good grass around its shore.
25 1/4	East shore of Rhett’s Lake.—Road tolerable over a rolling, rocky country, between lakes. The road crosses Lost River over a natural bridge, on a solid, smooth ledge of rock.
19	West shore of Rhett’s Lake.—Plenty of wood, water, and grass along this road.
21	Klamath River’s Lake.—Road leaves Rhett’s Lake, and enters the forest and mountains; tolerably good. Good camp.
15 1/4	Cascade Mountains.—The road passes over high mountains, through lofty pine-trees. Camp is at Summit Meadows. Good water and grass, also fuel.
14 1/4	Western slope of Cascade Mountains.—Rough roads.
19 1/4	Rogue River Valley.—Road descends into the setlements in six miles, where there is a lovely fertile valley, well settled with farmers.
23 3/4	Fort Lane.—Near “Table Rock,” on Rogue River, eight miles from Jacksonville. Dragoon post.
22 3/4	Rogue River Valley.—Good camp.
18	Siskiyou Mountains.—Road crosses the Siskiyou Mountains, and is difficult for wagons.
18	Yreka.—Flourishing mining city.
18	Fort Jones.—Infantry post, in Scott’s Valley.
20	Scott’s Mountain.—Good camp at the foot of the mountain. Road passes over the mountains, but is impassable for wagons.
90	Shasta City.—Good grass, wood, and water.
180	Sacramento City.