Notes
These two stage coaches are waiting at the OR&N depot in Hood River in 1891. They will carry the passengers and their luggage all the way up to Cloud Cap Inn. The roads were rough and the coaches had minimal shock absorbers, so you can be sure the hours spent in transit were less than relaxing. I understand the coaches would stop Toll Bridge park for a lunch break before making the final assault on the steep grades to Cloud Cap. The old carriage road is still visible at many places where it crosses the modern road. It's also a popular ski and snowshoe route in winter months.
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Tags: 1890s carriage Cloud_Cap_Inn horses railroad
Comments
In 1891 Cloud Cap would have been operated by Sarah Langille. When Cloud Cap was built William Ladd and his partner C. E. S. Wood owned and operated the stage line.
Either there were quite a few people expected to arrive from Portland with two stages there, or this was a promotional photo taken.
The road itself ran up in the Evans and Crystal Springs Creek area. Definitely areas of the wagon road up there, if one knows exactly where to look. In the winter they take the snow cats up portions of that old steep road.
charlott on 10th September 2013 @ 7:08am
The horses must have been used to a train, to be standing that close to the track, unless, like Charlott said, it is a promotional photo.
I wonder if one of the drivers is a Stranahan?
Speaking of visible old roads, on Saturday, Sept. 21 I am going to take the guided tour of the old "The Dalles to Fort Simcoe Road". Also known as the Eel trail. There is still some evidence of the military wagon ruts.
l.e. on 10th September 2013 @ 7:18am
I don't think this was a promo photo. If I were shooting the promo I wouldn't include the railroad ties, and would have a nice locomotive in the background, with a driver helping a well dressed woman step up into the carriage.
Arthur on 10th September 2013 @ 11:00am
Happy Birthday Arthur!
Thanks for the photos . . .
Jay on 10th September 2013 @ 2:37pm
Do we have a history of the Mount Hood Stage Co, owners stable, other routes etc.?
Bill P.
Bill P. on 1st October 2013 @ 2:31pm