Barlow Road

. The Columbia, oh the mighty, treacherous Columbia! Carrying the combined volume of water of all the previously crossed rivers, the Columbia was perilous beyond imagination. Until 1845, floating the turbulent Columbia in Indian canoes, quickly assembled rafts, or flat- bottomed boats, was the sole way to reach the Willamette Valley.

In 1845 an alternative route, the Barlow Trail, was established. It too was daunting and despicable, but soon became the preferred option.

The Barlow Trail was a rugged path in supreme contrast to the open plains and deserts the pioneers had previously encountered. Here the lush cathedral forests surrounded the pioneers in supernatural quiet. The only sky to be seen was straight up. Amazed and awe-struck the emigrants struggled over the southern shoulder of Mount Hood.