On August 25, 1918, a location survey was started between Ashland and
Klamath Falls. After a careful reconnaissance of the low passes, the
route via Green Springs Mountain was chosen, as against the Dead Indian
Summit, 500 feet higher.
Surveys were continued until November 30, when they were discontinued
for the winter months. The present road is in such poor condition, that
maintaining a locating party at work during the winter would be very
expensive.
During the short time the party was in the field, 15.6 miles of location
were staked, a six per cent grade from the summit of Green Springs
Mountain toward Ashland being obtained, whereas the present road has
many stretches over 20 per cent. Also, over a section between the Green
Springs Summit and Jenny Creek, 9 miles to the south, a location has
been obtained that will give for the greater distance, very cheap
construction and the lightest of grades. This will be appreciated by all
who have traveled the present rocky road with its series of bad grades.
[Illustration: ON THE PACIFIC HIGHWAY SOUTH OF WOLF CREEK IN JOSEPHINE
COUNTY. CONSTRUCTED IN 1917 AND 1918]
This road is a very vital one to the Rogue River and Klamath Valleys. At
present it is only passable during summer months for auto traffic, while
a road built on standard line and grades would soon make it an all year
highway.
There will be an enormous exchange of commodities between the two
valleys when the road is constructed. It will make a three hour auto
trip between Ashland and Klamath Falls, which now takes 81/2 hours by
train via Weed, California.
The location will be resumed in the spring, and continued to Klamath
Falls. Surveys have been in charge of Mr. J. H. Scott, locating
engineer.