MT. HOOD NATIONAL PARK
The Power of Place
Native American Legend tells the story of the Great Spirits’ two sons, Wy’East and Pah-toe. They were powerful, full of pride and frequently disagreed. Their father took them in to the Cascade Mountains, ordering them to shoot their arrows in opposite directions. The landing spot of the arrows would determine where each son would make their home. Their lands would be separated by the Columbia River. In order to insure peace, their father built a bridge, allowing their people to visit each other. Peace lasted until both brothers were smitten and fell in love with a gorgeous maiden, Loo-wit.
The Drama Erupts
The 2010 National Parks Quarter Programs in cooperation
with Coins of America Narrates:
“The brothers fought over the maiden, throwing of their royal white robes and hurling rocks at each other. Their fighting shook the earth and the great land bridge fell into the Columbia River. Their father heard about their fighting, and after seeing the destruction they caused, he punished them severely. Wy’East was transformed into the proud and majestic Mt. Hood, his brother Pah-toe was transformed into Mt. Adams, which seems to bow its head in sadness, and the beautiful maiden Loo-wit was imprisoned as Mount St. Helens.
Today Wy’East, or Mt Hood, proudly stands as ruler over northwest Oregon, inspiring awe and wonder. The mighty mountain looms over nearby Portland, reminding urban dwellers of the majesty and grandeur of the earth.”
America’s Wild Embrace
The inclusion of Mt. Hood in the National Parks was conceived by Stephen Mather first Director of the National Parks and promoted in the Sunday Edition of the Oregon Journal Newspaper, Portland, Oregon November 19. 1916.
The graphic above from The Oregon Journal may be found on page 207 of the book The National Parks by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns.