Diary of Fletcher Linn
Crater Lake Trip, August 1889
Monday, Aug. 19
Arose at six, and renewed journey at nine. Roads for about three or four miles were quite rough, and woods adjoining were all afire. Rest of road was fine and smooth. Scenery, the grandest we had yet viewed. Mountains surrounding Wood river valley, and Klamath marsh are indeed picturesque.
Atmosphere very clear and permitted grand view. Passed several fine large springs, and crossed a number of grand, clear streams, the finest of which are Seven Mile creek, five miles from Fort Klamath and Wood river a mile from Fort.
To-day’s ride was the most interesting we have enjoyed.
Arrived at Wood River at 1:30, where we ate lunch, and fed horses. Then went to Fort, and remained there until three, when we continued our journey. At Fort mailed several letters, sent telegram announcing our arrival there, and laid in a few necessary supplies.
Arrived at Annie Creek at 5:30, where we found a fine camping place. Purchased hay for the horses, along the road. “Cap” and Prof Watt went fishing while rest prepared supper and caught six fine trout, of which “Cap” caught five.
Had fine time in evening retired at all hours from eleven to one.
Camp six miles from fort.
Fort Klamath was built by father during the Indian trouble in 1864. It is about a hundred miles from Jacksonville.
It was abandoned on last Thursday, Aug. 15, as we were deprived of the pleasure of seeing the soldiers in their drills. For this reason we did not remain there.
Only thirteen officers and soldiers are now stationed at the Fort, and it seemed entirely deserted. Guns, etc. were also removed.
We rode by the grave yard, and all the buildings of the fort, along the enclosure in which the soldiers were accustomed to drill, and passed near the form-work of the scaffold on which Captain Jack and other Indians were hung.
Though the Fort was abandoned, the “stars and stripes” were still floating over the deserted spot, and seemed to offer all the protection necessary.
The Indians, though yet quite numerous are not at all treacherous.
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