by Jesse Wiley
RUGGED TERRAIN
Trekking through the mountains is treacherous and slow going. Look for roads and paths people have built before you, and be wary of cliffs and inclines, where it may be too steep to lower your wagons with ropes. You may need to weigh down the wagons to slow their descent.
FIRE
Stamp out campfires completely after use. If you become cold throughout the night, try to find extra blankets and layers, as it is dangerous to fall asleep in front of a campfire. You could catch fire before you even wake up.
DISEASE
Cholera and dysentery are common on the Trail. Many travelers died from contaminated food and water, so be sure your food is cooked and clean, and your water fully boiled. Rabies is also a danger in wild animals, and they can pass it on to your animals, who can pass it on to you. Do not touch wild animals or your own if they’ve been bitten. In the colder temperatures, frostbite and gangrene can be common if you don’t have enough layers, which can result in loss of limbs and even death. Be sure to have thick, sturdy walking shoes so you don’t lose your toes!
WEATHER
Be prepared to travel through a vast range of weather systems, ranging from bone-chilling snowstorms to bristling hot desert days. Even in the warmer months, sudden snowstorms still occur in higher rocky areas. Be sure to stick together and keep as many supplies as you can. Avalanches can also occur in higher elevations where there are fewer trees, so stay where the foliage is thick. If you fall into an icy lake and are trapped under the ice, be sure to look for spots that are lighter—this means there is no snow covering the ice, and it may be the hole through which you fell. In hotter, desert-like conditions, be wary of extreme fatigue, your wagon getting stuck in sand dunes, and lack of water leading to dehydration and death for you and your animals. If possible, avoid areas like this altogether, as you likely won’t get far.
WILDLIFE
Watch out for bears, wildcats, and even honeybees. Bears and wild mountain cats such as lynxes may attack both animals and people. Although you may be running short on supplies, stay away from bees’ nests, as bees are prone to sting if threatened.
DISHONEST PEOPLE
Sometimes people take advantage of others on the Trail, so be wary of passing traders. Bandits are infamous for attacking unsuspecting wagon trains at night. Stay on your guard.
Finding Your Way
In 1850, there aren’t roads or many signs, and the maps are not very precise, particularly as you make your way into the mountains. There aren’t even states yet. You have to navigate by using a compass and by keeping a sharp eye out for famous landmarks. The Trail is difficult to follow, particularly as you make your way into the mountains. Never leave the Trail or your group, and don’t take shortcuts. Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains—keep a sharp eye at all times if you want to reach Oregon!
Look for these landmarks between and near Three Island Crossing and Oregon City
DISTANCE FROM INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI:
FORT BOISE: 1,426 miles (2,295 km)
FLAGSTAFF HILL: 1,535 miles (2,470 km)
THE DALLES: 1,732 miles (2,787 km)
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