Category Archives: Pioneer Lore

Information about early settlers’ experiences.

The Tualatin Hills are not just “a walk in the woods”!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Jim

During the 1830′s the famed Methodist circuit rider, Jason Lee, is said to have established a road across the Tualatin Hills that connected Scappoose and St. Helens with the communities in northern Washington County. It is very possible that today’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Lower Columbia Trails, Misc Trails & Trips, Pioneer Lore | 3 Comments

“Sauvie” Island? Why not “Logie’s Island” or even “Wapato Island”?

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Jim

Nowadays the island at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, is referred to as “Sauvie Island”, or sometimes “Sauvie’s Island” by the older residents. It’s a favorite spot for Portlanders to cycle, to hunt water fowl, or even … Continue reading →

Posted in Indian lore, Lower Columbia Trails, Pioneer Lore, Plant lore, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Rediscovering David Thompson: he mapped the transcontinental canoe route down the Columbia River!

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Jim

The shadowy fog wreathed London in that gloomy winter of 1783. Its chill dank air permeated into the austere schoolroom and gripped at the hearts of the two boys that stood stiffly before the visiting Secretary of the renowned Hudson … Continue reading →

Posted in Pioneer Lore, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

In some places March may “go out like a lamb”, but not here.

Posted on April 9, 2011 by Jim

The canoe trip was lovely – paddling through the quite of a blustery March afternoon, arousing the occasional Mallards and Canada Geese, but otherwise gliding unobtrusively through the dark brackish waters of this tidewater pond. The woods around this area are full of wildlife including a large population of black bears. Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Trails, Misc Trails & Trips, Pioneer Lore | 3 Comments