Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
timer Stump (really). This did not go over well with old Danford. Dur-
ing the ensuing negotiations, tempers may have flared, and Danford
Balch “accidentally” shot and killed Mortimer Stump. And that's how
Balch became the first man sentenced to death and executed in Oregon
(by hanging, in 1859). No word on how things turned out for his poor
daughter.
At the second wooden bridge, peek over the railing into the pool—you
can usually catch sight of some cutthroat trout hiding there. And if
you've got a keen eye, somewhere along the trail you might spot an owl
lurking in the branches overhead.
In just under a mile, you'll reach the Stone House, a perfect little moss-
covered gray stone cottage. It was built by the Works Progress Adminis-
tration as a public restroom, believe it or not, and served as such until
1962, when a huge storm destroyed the plumbing system and the park
service decided it would cost too much to fix. Note the sawed-off slices of
log arrayed around the trail, and feel free to take a load off for a while if
you're so inclined.
At the Stone House, the trail you're on divides—continue straight along
the Wildwood Trail rather than turning right to go up the hill.
About half a mile later, you'll cross Cornell Rd. at a crosswalk—be very
careful, as this section of road is the fun, curvy sort that tempts drivers
to think they're guesting on Top Gear. Continue uphill on the Wildwood
Trail, along a fairly steep series of switchbacks. At a couple of places,
the trail crosses the Upper Macleay Trail, but signs are clearly marked;
just stay on the Wildwood, and any time you're in doubt, go uphill
rather than down.
You'll come out at the parking lot of the impressive Pittock Mansion.
Completed in 1914, it was the home of Henry Pittock and his wife, Ge-
orgiana. The Pittocks arrived via the Oregon Trail, and Henry started
work as a typesetter at the local paper. He worked his way up and even-
tually bought the newspaper, which he transformed into the daily Ore-
gonian. You can take a tour of the mansion's interior ($8.50 per person),
but it's nice enough (and free) just wandering the grounds, appreciating
the surrounding gardens and taking in the awesome views, including
Mt. Hood and, on a clear day, Mt. St. Helens and three other peaks. If
it's nice out, eat your lunch on the front lawn of the mansion.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search