Page:All Over Oregon and Washington.djvu/322

316 About centrally situated, with regard to the Oregon division of the Cascade Range, is a group of snow-peaks called the Three Sisters, which may be ascended without difficulty from the eastern side. Indeed, in order to get a well-formed idea of the shape of the mountains it is necessary to see them from this side.

Starting from the Dalles, and keeping toward the south until we strike the Des Chutes River at the Warm Springs Reservation, we find ourselves directly abreast of Mount Jefferson, with a complete and beautiful view of it. There is no labor in traveling over the piney slopes of the mountains here. It is more like riding through interminable parks, with little or no undergrowth, a dry soil, abundance of flowers, and occasional small game. Three or four days' easy travel, through a country abounding in natural wonders, brings us to the Three Sisters.

They stand in a triangular group, the base of the triangle being toward the west. Though perfectly distinct peaks—the northernmost being highest—they are connected near their base by lesser intervening elevations. Accustomed as we have become to mountains, the Three Sisters force from us the profoundest expressions of admiration and delight. So lofty, so symmetrical, so beautifully grouped! Nor are there wanting adjuncts, which augment the interest of the scene. At the foot of the group stands a single needle of basalt several hundred feet in height, in its grim, black hardness looking like a sentinel guarding the Olympian heights above.

We prepare to ascend the north Sister. By reason of the greater general elevation of the country on the eastern side of the Cascade Range, and the more gradual slopes also, the toil of an ascent is greatly