COUGAR PARK, HELL CANYON BRANCH LINE
COPYRIGHT; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (5/10/22)
Cougar Park
The spur starts at the intersection of FR3110 and Highway 73 (Perkinsville Road.) Satellite imaging shows the grade crossing Cougar Park, then entering Hell Canyon. This entire region is rugged, steep and challenging to traverse. Evidence indicates, from the numerous stump fields, that a centrally located spur existed in the Canyon.
The Canyon serves as the main south side drainage of Bill Williams Mountain. As such, the canyon can fill with several feet of rushing water at the slightest downfall of rain within the watershed area. It is best to use extreme caution, and don't enter it if there is the slightest hint of rain. Little archaeological evidence remains due to 100 years of erosion, however, higher up the slopes and on the floodplain, stumps show that rails once traversed the area. Slowly, ever so stubbornly, the once busy rail line is revealing it's secrets.
Looking West.
Like an island oasis, a small clump of ponderosa pines cling to life in the midst of the sandy soil that makes up the Cougar Park area. The trees are located on a rocky outcrop, where artifacts indicate a small camp existed. Just to the right of the stand, a faint trace of the grade heading westerly can be seen.
Cougar Park is crisscrossed by deep stream beds. The sandy soil differs from the normal metamorphic rocks and cinders that cover the hillsides and ravines. I assume this sand-like soil is actually volcanic ash. The immensity of the deposits gives some indication as the fury and fire that once spewed forth from the volcanoes and vents that dot the area.
Near this area the grade crossed, heading towards Hell Canyon. This same soil supports the natural vegetation, which in return reduces surface erosion. However, this turns to a gooey mire, reducing traction and sucking at the soles of the hapless boot that dares to tread across during the winter or monsoon season. If you do not know how to walk here safely,
then do not attempt during these times.
It was during the winter that I decided to tread where wisdom fears to go. Fortunately, I have some knowledge about the land, yet it still was difficult and prone to danger. I had waited for the area to dry out, yet still had to visit over the course of two weeks to reduce the risk.
I found the remains of an old tree, fortuitously this marked the location of the remains of an early settlement. Nearby are the stumps of large trees, indicating that the forest once reached
further into the Park.
Near this area I found the footprint of three, possibly four early foundations. Debris was strewn over an area of about one-half an acre.
Most of the remains consisted of large boards and ties, dating back to the time when the railroad spur existed in the area. Upon further investigation, it appears that the structures date after the time when the spur was removed. This is indicated by the large amount of ties used in the foundations of the former structures. The ties show clear signs of having been used to the end of their useful lifespan. They were obviously harvested by the inhabitants as a cheap and readily available building material. Due to the large number of ties that were reclaimed, it can be assumed that there was a significant source in the local area, namely the spur that traversed the park. In effect, these remains give further credence that the spur once existed.
This view, looking East, shows the faint trace of a "jeep trail," passing the building site. This same trail extends east to the aforementioned clump of trees. I believe that the trail was originally
the railroad spur.
The cabin sites include iron sheet metal, bricks and other detritus revealing the presence
of stoves for cooking and heating. Near this area is a pit or sump that was dug by the residents, which was shored up by several layers of ties. An interesting feature, that could have been used for a water tank or food storage. The depth of the shoring indicates just how unstable the soil is.
View looking West from the homestead site.
A very large pile, and foundation formed of ties.
Stones were brought in to shore-up the foundation
The existence of the structures begs a question; what were they doing here? The area is scenic and reasonably isolated from the rest of society. Yet, the rustic conditions are not conducive to a resort. My humble opinion is, that someone decided that this would be a good homesite, with plenty of nearby water and ample acreage to run cattle. Nearby are remains of barbwire fences, placed in some vain attempt to mark their claim. Whomever had such wistful visions of pleasant homesteading would soon have their dreams dashed, for as has already been mentioned, this area becomes a mire when wet. From time to time, the nearby stream would flood across the plain, making the house more of a boat anchored in a vast sodden lake. At least they were not alone: dotted about the area are other remnants of past hopes long abandoned.
Looking Northwest from the area. Despite the erosion of time and elements, I did find additional evidence that the railroad passed through the park, eventually plunging into the dark confines of Hell Canyon
Looking West, near the entrance to the canyon. The river bed intermittently opens from narrow gulches to open park like meadows. Don't let that deceive you; this seasonal river can turn into a raging, flooding torrent. The flood stage can be 3-4 feet above the river bed, and many an area has polished rocks, evidence of extreme scouring by the swift current. Rare are the artifacts in this canyon, yet they do exist. Never hike this canyon if a storm is brewing in the Williams area.
The canyon floor widens from time to time. It is a challenging area to research, requiring an intensity and dogged determination to reveal the historical evidence. I am that dog; old, but determined.
Steep slopes form the canyon. A cut log lies on the slope, left by the early loggers. I have been at the top of this very steep ridgeline, via an old forest road. On both sides of the canyon can be seen the stumps and occasional logs from early logging. All the more giving credibility that the canyon was used by the railroad to access the timber stands.
Near this area I found a railroad tie.
The adventure will continue...
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