Near Government Camp in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

"Disparite Bad Beyond Discription"

Hardships of the Trail

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 2, 2017

1. "Disparite Bad Beyond Discription" Marker

Inscription. This mountain pass in named for Samuel K. Barlow who opened the first wagon route over the Cascades in 1846 to complete the Oregon Trail. The route was far from easy. Emigrant Isom Cranfill (cabinet maker, farmer, and itinerant preacher) made the journey in 1847. His haunting journal entry evokes the hard ships of the trail: "Disparite bad beyond discription."

Elanor Allen, an 1852 Barlow Road emigrant, wrote about her misgivings near Barlow Pass:
"Have thought of home, the dear ones there, the quiet Sabbath, and the sanctuary they enjoy, whilst we are among the cruel mountains, in the most dreary place, dependent upon strangers for assistance in getting along, nearly our of provisions and our stock famishing! All these things together almost shake the faith, but it must not be so."

Countless other pioneers and emigrants suffered similar adversities crossing the Cascades - the final obstacle between their past and future. Some were sustained by their faith or strength of character, some by the vision of a better life.

Erected by Mt. Hood National Forest, U.S. Forest Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers

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. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list.

Location. 45° 16.957′ N, 121° 41.111′ W. Marker is near Government Camp, Oregon, in Clackamas County. Marker is on Old Barlow Road near Barlow Road (Forest Road NF-3530), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Government Camp OR 97028, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Barlow Road (within shouting distance of this marker); A Final Rest (approx. ¾ mile away); "Sumate Prairie" (approx. 2.6 miles away); Timberline Lodge (approx. 3.6 miles away); Samuel Kimbrough Barlow (approx. 3.6 miles away); Government Camp (approx. 3.6 miles away); a different marker also named Government Camp (approx. 3.8 miles away); Laurel Hill (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Government Camp.

More about this marker. This marker is located at Barlow Pass on the old Barlow Road/Mt. Hood Highway. The roads are unnamed but there are signs directing you there.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 2, 2017

2. "Disparite Bad Beyond Discription" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 345 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.