June 11-12
OCTA Trail Marking Survey Report
by
On a breezy, cool and overcast couple of days, over 40
people joined with tour leader Richard Silva to visit and experience the
Applegate/South Road to Oregon trail from Davis Creek on Highway 395 above
Alturas to the Oregon-California border, over 85 miles to the West.
Meeting in the BLM Office on June 11th, a large
crowd of interested trail folks heard the plans for the next two days,
reviewed topographical maps and arranged for all to have CB radios. In
attendance were a large number of BLM and Forest Service employees, tourism
advocate members, historical society members, Trails West members and of
course OCTA members from both CA-NV and Northwest Chapters. A caravan of 15
vehicles snaked up the highway to Davis Creek for the start of our
adventure.
Moving slowly around the South end of Goose Lake, Richard
told us of the many emigrant routes in this area, mostly determined by the
level of the Lake. He pointed out the "bluffs" that had to be
climbed during high water years. We soon began to eat each others dust as we
traveled up the graveled road gaining elevation to reach the large area
known as the Devil’s Garden. We turned South on an "unimproved"
dirt road to reach the trail as it came west up the canyon from McGinty
Reservoir. We traveled about one mile, got out and walked to the very
distinct trail swales, much to the satisfaction of those who were not
driving 4x4 vehicles!
After our short hike, Richard related an 1872 quote:
"Camped in Dry Creek valley after rolling over the worst piece of rocky
country on top of ground - for miles neither wheel or wagon nor foot of
horse ever touched the soil. Ground covered with loose round rocks as thick
as they can be planted - A Devil’s Garden of the most approved type."
Emigrant diaries all commented on the rocky trail over the Garden - we all
concur.
We moved out in a cloud of dust, with Richard pointing out
the 4x4, barely visible, two track roads that turn south into the Fletcher
Creek route of the trail. The trail in this area, for about 10 miles, is one
to three miles from "any" road! Those of us who will mark the
trail next summer with carsonite and steel rail markers took note of the
distance required to carry the equipment and markers!
The lunch stop was made at the Fletcher Creek crossing of
the Crowder Flat road. With Richard reading diary quotes and relating
historical facts from GLO maps and his other research, we moved on to where
the trail exits from Fletcher Creek, then down the dusty road to where the
trail turns Northwest toward today’s Pothole Springs. Several vehicles
choose to stop shortly after starting as this road was not graded and
required high clearance. Those that continued saw some of the best swales of
the day.
After turning around, and meeting those who waited, we
started our trip back to Alturas. After about 35 miles of dusty, gravel
road, the paved highway 139 looked awfully good. Days travel for most
exceeded 100 miles! Richard announced a long day awaits us tomorrow, so we
will meet at the BLM at 7 a.m..
It rained pretty hard last night, but the gravel road was
just as dusty, as we headed back toward Pothole Springs from the Clear Lake
side of the Devil’s Garden. Pothole Springs is impressive, very green,
lots of water. At the Springs is a Trails West rail marker, the aluminum
plate is pretty well damaged by bullets. Also near by is the grave of Lloyd
Dean Shook; it is not marked nor is it fenced. In 1971, Devere Helfrich with
the Klamath Historical Society wrote that a basaltic headstone was found
with the name, age 14, and date of 10/11/1851. He also writes that
"Considerable research has been made, but no further evidence relating
to a Shook family of 1851 has been uncovered." The headstone has been
removed to a museum.
We returned, following the beautiful trail ruts toward Steel
Swamp. Returning to the paved highway, we went north stopping to view the
decent to Bloody Point. Although few swales are present, significant trail
sights can be located. The Natural Bridge with it’s Lost River is well
marked and nice interpretative signs are present. A number of future trail
marking locations exist around the bottom of Lower Klamath Lake.
The owner, Mr. Porterfield, of the Historic "D"
Ranch met us at the ranch, inviting us to tour the old ranch home, built in
the mid-1800s. This location could easily be used for a Walt Disney movie,
as the location is beautiful. Very deep swales come down into the ranch
property.
We took a short-cut to Dorris as some needed fuel, and
proceeded North to the Landrum Wayside at the Oregon-California border.
Walking over to see the large rocks aligned as the trail came up the hill
from Indian Tom Lake, then viewing the well done wayside interpretative
signs, completed our tour.
Marking this trail will be a challenge! I heard no one say
it could not be done, and in fact several are anxious for next summer’s
event.
Everyone gave our guide, Richard Silva and his wife, Orsola,
a heart warmed thanks for a job well done. Richard’s research and his
continual travelog on the CB has made us all so much more informed about the
Applegate/South Road to Oregon.
