Some miles further on they came to the great Columbian Valley, so called by Lewis and Clarke.

It is sixty miles in width, and extends far to the southeast between parallel ridges of mountains, which bound it on the east and west.

Through the centre of this valley flowed a large and beautiful stream, called the Wallamot, which came wandering for several miles, through a yet unexplored wilderness.

The sheltered situation of this immense valley had an obvious effect upon the climate.

It was a region of great beauty and luxuriance, with lakes and pools, and green meadows shaded by noble groves.