CHINESE MASSACRE COVE
Those of you who read my book, “Massacred for Gold: The Chinese in Hells Canyon,” will recall the difficult and strenuous hike I took with my late friend, Mike Shanahan to the massacre site. I received today a note and the following press release from Forest Service archeologist Tony King advising me the trail has been cleared. This will be welcome news for anyone wanting to hike to the site and view the memorial we installed in 2012. I’ve attached a photo of Mike resting during our ordeal when the trail was virtually impassable.
VOLUNTEERS CLEAR TRAIL TO MASSACRE SITE
By Tony King
March 13, 2018
This spring is a great time to make the trek from Dug Bar to Chinese Massacre Cove along the Snake River in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Thanks to a joint project between the Forest Service and volunteers with the Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association, The Snake River Trail (#1726) has been cleared along Dug Creek, making the roughly 6-mile trip to the Massacre Site possible without getting mired in blackberry brambles. Nine volunteers and two Forest Service employees spent March 10th and 11th clearing brush in a 1-mile stretch of trail choked with an impenetrable wall of thorny vines that was 8 feet tall in some places.
In 1887, more than 30 Chinese miners were murdered for their gold-sparking national outrage, fueling the debate about the rights of Asians in the United States, and creating an international incident between China and the US. Nobody was ever held responsible for the crime. In 2009, R. Gregory Nokes published Massacred for Gold: The Chinese in Hells Canyon, renewing interest in the heinous deaths of over 30 men. This renewed interest culminated with the installation and dedication of an interpretive monument at the site in 2012.
Unfortunately, the bramble-choked trail to the massacre site from Dug Bar made access by foot or with stock treacherous and slow. Most people were only able to access the site via jet boat. Now that the trail has been cleared, access to the site should be better, and spring and fall are excellent times to visit Hells Canyon.
The drive from Joseph, Oregon to the Trailhead at Dug Bar is about 60 miles and takes approximately 3 hours. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. If you would like additional information, please contact the Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Joseph Oregon Office at 541-426-5546.
The Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association (WMHCTA) is a dedicated group of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who monitor and help maintain trails in Hells Canyon and the Wallowa Mountains. WMHCTA coordinates with the US Forest Service and organizes volunteer work parties to clear downed trees, cut back brush, and do whatever else is necessary to keep trails open and accessible.
You can help by joining WMHCTA on a trail maintenance day trip, coming to one of the meetings, or donating to support the effort. If you would like additional information about the Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association, please visit www.wmhcta.org .