Spearfish
[Illustration: U. S. Government Fish Hatchery at Spearfish]
From Nisland we retrace our route through Belle Fourche to Spearfish.
There we find another splendid and modern camp. We enjoy staying at
these camps of which their cities are justly proud. The cost is the same
fifty cents per night as that of the less developed camps. But the
modern toilet facilities, running water, wood, stoves, lights, community
log cabins, dance floors, swimming pool, fishing and patrol system
create in the traveler’s heart a warm feeling toward those cities or
towns. In addition to this, the freedom with which people from all over
the United States meet and talk over experiences is a source of lasting
pleasure to the conversational type. The large cars of eastern
manufacturers and the Fords of vagabonds from any place in South Dakota
or the United States sleep side by side. Toward evening knots of people
gather here and there about the camp or in the community building and
the topic is likely to be anything from sheep raising in Perkins county
or mica mining at Keystone to the workings of the New York Stock
Exchange. Roads are discussed, scenery and experiences are swapped and
friendships are made. Everyone is congenial, all are neighbors and class
spirit does not exist. It would surprise one how he can broaden his
knowledge through these contacts.
No matter whether one’s interest is fishing, swimming, camping or
gossiping, he or she will naturally fit into a group in camp.
[Illustration: Lookout Mountain near Spearfish]
The United States trout hatchery is located beside the Spearfish camp,
just across the bridge to the south. Here the United States government
maintains tanks in which they raise several varieties of trout. There is
a different size in each tank ranging from the frisky little baby trout
to the sedate monsters that give a person a certain longing for just one
chance at their like. These speckled and rainbow beauties are a sight to
behold. If one can get around there at feeding time he will behold a
still greater treat.
Across the road from the hatchery is a pretty decent little swimming
pool, formed by a dam in Spearfish Creek. A swim in one of these clear
mountain streams is a rare treat. The visitor in the “Hills” should plan
to indulge as often as possible.
[Illustration: Spearfish Creek, Lead, S. D.]
[Illustration: Maurice, In Spearfish Canyon
O. A. Vik]
[Illustration: Bridal Veil Falls]
The next morning, July 6th, we take a trip up Spearfish Canyon. The road
leads past the fish hatchery, plunging into the mountains and woods over
ground owned or leased by the Homestake Mine Company. The road is fairly
well worn but poorly marked. Nevertheless, this trip above all others is
not one to be abandoned. Word just arrives that the road will be
improved clear to Lead next summer. The road winds over gentle slopes
and makes sharp turns. One must drive under twenty miles per hour and
sound his horn often. But a person does not realize the marvelous beauty
that lies hidden in this valley until he actually penetrates, not a mile
or two, but clear up as far as cars will go. One must get out and press
through the timber until he comes to a place from which he can view a
great expanse of the valley and wall before he can fully appreciate
Spearfish Canyon.
[Illustration: Admiring the Falls]
Wildcat Cave is located a few miles up the valley. The car must be
parked beside the road and the ascent up the steep canyon wall continued
on foot. The cave lies a quarter of a mile or so up. The climb to it is
steep and part of the way is over rocks washed by springs.
The path leads through dense growths of timber and shrubs. At last we
come to a huge overhanging cliff, below which is the Wildcat Cave. Over
the top of the cliff clear cold spring water half drips, half runs
continually. At various places in its walls springs ooze out, too. The
one little waterfall over the center comes down through about fifty feet
of space. If a person is adventuresome and ambitious he might climb the
crags clear to the top of the mountain on the right.
[Illustration: Savoy
Canedy Photo]
Seven and a half miles up the canyon from Spearfish we come to Bridal
Veil Falls. This is a beautiful waterfall, with not much volume but a
great height. Probably it falls 200 feet and is twenty feet wide on the
average. The spectacle of this is really awe inspiring. The flimsy lace
like folds tumbling over the succeeding layers of rock make
unquestionably the most beautiful waterfall in the Black Hills. We stop
at its foot to eat our lunch while admiring its beauty.
[Illustration: Multiplex Falls]
From Bridal Veil Falls the road winds up the canyon to the Spearfish
hydro-electric water flume. Above that is Roughlock Falls and the
Homestake hydro-electric plant, and we must not forget Latchstring Inn.
Foolish is the visitor who turns back before seeing all of these, if
weather conditions permit.
After this the trail leads back to Spearfish and thence fifteen miles
over into Wyoming. We could go on west to Devil’s Tower, but that would
mean a long trip. So we just cross the State line and return. Here the
fun begins for us. The rain has begun, slowly at first and has kept ever
increasing. We have determined to make Pine Crest Park at Deadwood this
evening, and accordingly break camp and set out. We have gone a few
miles when the rain comes down in torrents. Fortunately the roads are
good, but we have to drive with the windshield cleaner working
constantly. We enjoy the beautiful scenery in spite of the rain.
We take U. S. 14 for eight miles or so, and then turn south on U. S. 85
for another five miles. On the way we come to Preacher Smith’s monument.
This has been erected in honor of Mr. Smith, Deadwood’s first minister.
The story is told how he came to Deadwood with the first settlers when
gold was discovered. He preached to whoever would listen to him. One day
he headed for the vicinity of Whitewood to deliver a sermon. He was
advised not to start out because the Indians were hostile. He insisted
that his Bible was all the weapon he needed. Today a monument stands
near where the Indians killed him. Several authors have told the story
of Preacher Smith. Anyone interested in the story should by all means
read it from some authentic source.