Summit Prairie, Barlow Trail, Oregon
N 45° 17.128 W 121° 44.257
10T E 598999 N 5015438
This plaque provided the history of this meadow, high up on Mt Hood, which was used by the Oregon Trail pioneers.
Waymark Code: WM6R3J
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 07/11/2009
Views: 12
Copied from the sign:
"Summit Prairie
Image feeding your hungry children and skinny ox teams whottelberries here. Helping your spouse repair your tired wagon for tomorrow's dreaded drop down Laurel Hill. Rain clouds gather around Mount Hood's peak. More storms coming. and they say the road gets even worse...
Summit Meadows--originally called Summit Prairie--provided welcome pause to Oregon Trail pioneers. For days they had endured steep rocky ground, downed trees and constant stream crossings.
An original gathering place for Native American Indians, in 1866 squatter Petty Vickers built the first log cabin here which became another tollgate. By 1905 a large wooden structure known as Summit House, a cedar shake tipi, a barn and corral occupied this clearing. The meadow eventually became a popular camping spot for Willamette Valley recreastionalists.
"Drove to the Summit Prairie. found plenty of grass in the Second Prairie". (now Trillium Lake) Orange Gaylord 1959
"Very little good grass for our cattle tonight, but plenty of sour mountain grass (meadow rushes)". E.W. Conyers. 1852
"Mount Hood stands just north of our camp, with its lofty white dome penetrating the ethereal sky as it if had sworn to remain an eternal barrier to the clouds.." John Tully Kearns, Emigrant of 1853"
Historic Topic: Pioneer
Group Responsible for placement: State of Oregon
Marker Type: Roadside
Region: Central Oregon
County: Clackamas
Web link to additional information: [Web Link]
State of Oregon Historical Marker "Beaver Board": Not listed
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