Wy’east Engineering
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Why Wy’east?
The Geology
The Cascade Mountain Range is, by geologic standards, quite young. As a result,
much of the vulcanism that shaped the present configuration has occurred during the
time of human habitation, which is estimated to be the last 10,000 to 50,000-
This type of eruption was typical of the Cascade stratovolcanoes, of which Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens are excellent examples. Evidence of an eruption similar to that of Mt. St. Helens may also be seen on Mt. Hood’s south side where the entire south caldera wall has been destroyed leaving Steels Cliff on the east, the Summit Ridge on the north and Illumination Rock and Cathedral Ridge on the west. Although Mt. Adams does not presently show such dramatic evidence of its violent history, there is enough evidence to show a similar formative process. Since none of the volcanoes are extinct, eruptions such as that of Mt. St. Helens cannot be ruled out at some future date. Even now there are periodic bursts of gas and steam, sometimes accompanied by mud flows, on Mt. Hood.
At one time, where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascades, there was what could
be termed a bridge although its exact configuration is unknown. Geologic evidence
does show, however, that a landslide occurred dropping portions of Table Mountain
into the Gorge and blocking the river to a height of approximately 200-
On either side of the River, massive slide scars may be seen on the mountains near Cascade Locks, Oregon and Stevenson, Washington. Until inundated by the pool behind Bonneville Dam, the cascades themselves could be seen along with a completely submerged forest that was flooded by the damming of the River when the bridge collapsed. As can be seen by comparing the legend and the geology, it is apparent that great geologic events have occurred in this region during the time that man has resided here. Since most of us can remember the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in May, 1980, which was relatively minor in geologic terms, one can only imagine the excitement and terror that must have accompanied the events surrounding the “Bridge of the Gods.”
Author’s Note:
The legend presented here is the version told to the author as a boy in much the
same manner it was passed down through generations of Indians. There are, in fact,
a number of variations of this legend. Some of these may be found in such works
as “Wy’East -
Douglas R. Allen, PE
Wy’east Engineering
Salinas, California
©January 2012
©2012 -
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