North Cascades

EARLY IMPRESSIONS: EURO-AMERICAN EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS

EXPLORATIONS

Robertson/Rodman Expeditions (1883)

True to its word, the Army solicited First Lieutenant Samuel Churchill Robertson to continue the government's exploratory efforts. In June 1883, an army party led by Robertson explored the length of Lake Chelan to the mouth of the Stehekin River. This reconnaissance was undertaken because of discrepancies in the information recorded by Colonel Merriam and Lieutenant Pierce. Robertson's party clarified the dispute concerning the location of the head of Lake Chelan. Although Robertson's report was known to be a "very able one," no written account of his expedition has yet been located. [103]

In August that same year, Second Lieutenant Samuel Rodman, Jr., was assigned to explore the upper Methow River. Rodman ascended the Twisp River and War Creek, essentially following Pierce's route up to War Creek Pass and Purple Pass. [104] He too descended to Lake Chelan, continuing on to its upper end, describing his observations:

A short distance up the lake the scenery rapidly changes, and presents a beautiful aspect. Huge frowning mountains arise, covered with pines whose trunks almost lie flat against the steep sides. Nature has given to this place all the delights of beauty and grandeur. [105]