Historic Hood River
Native Camp
11-17-2017
Notes
We don’t know where Earl Conser came across this Native American camp. My guess is this is further east than Hood River.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
Charlott
There were many of these camps in the area, especially during the salmon runs and during the huckleberry season. Many tribes came a great distance. My grandmother told me about when she was a little girl in Biggs, that there was a trail behind their house and the Indians came down the river on that trail from who knows how far up, head to Celilo and in the fall over around Mt. Adams to pick berries. She said you couldn’t believe the numbers that traveled down through there and then after the salmon were gone went back up.They also came down Spanish Hollow which would lead one up into Sherman County on through to Madras and central Oregon. They also came from southern Oregon and who knows how far they traveled.
The mother is bent over in front of the child.
I think the big bundle in front of the horse contains the other half of the tepee cover. It is apparent that where ever this is there is quite a settlement. I, personally don’t think it is over too far east of the Hood River area due to all the types of trees.
That looks like a guard rail running along there, but it doesn’t appear that there is an actual road way on the other side…What do the rest of you think?
spinsur
I’m thinking that’s a water flume, elevated to maintain grade, probably crop irrigation.
Kenn
I like the idea of a water flume, ground is flat and the item in question is not ~
Charlott
Yes, water flume makes a lot of sense, because I couldn’t see anything that appeared to be any type of road…
Longshot
To me it looks like it is a raised roadway, as you can see the decking on top and the shadows on the decking on the stringers. Maybe crossing a creek off to the right and what may be a seasonally wet area in the picture. Not very heavily built whatever it is.
Telephone pole off to the left, which would indicate the picture was taken somewhere along a major transportation route.
There is a pack saddle sitting just below the tepee.
L.E.
There is a story here, just wish we knew what it was.
If that is a roadway, what used it? I can’t imagine a team and wagon using it. Could it be for small rail cars to get fruit to a packing plant or a railroad?
By the size of those teepee polls, I would guess this is more than an overnight camp. Were they here to pick fruit or strawberries?
Any of the buildings look familiar for Mosier, or Pine Grove?