Smith Brothers 1869

1869  We camped one mile from the summit of the Cascade Mountains and two and half miles from Crater Lake at a place known as Sprague’s dug-away.  At this place a trail has been graded down the precipitous banks of Crack Creek sufficient to pass men and horse.  On the next day (August 1), the order of the day was to find a “north-west passage” to Crater Lake whereby we could take our wagons and boat.  (Probably now known as the Dutton Creek Trail.)

I thought the sore thumb could have been the Phantom Ship, but then he talked about its height and the view from on top, so must not be.

One point is known as “Sore Thumb,” from its peculiar shape, resembling, as it does, the hand of a man doubled with the thumb projecting above the fist, with a portion torn off. It is one of the highest points in the vicinity, and from its summit an extensive view can be had. 

Names were not standardized until Mark Kerr and Steel completed the first official maps in 1886.  

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