As one of the West’s final frontiers, Oregon is full of stories about pioneers, trappers, prospectors and frontiersmen. Not all of those stories have happy endings, though. The wild, vast Oregon wilderness of the past was a a beautiful, but dangerous place, and not all who visited survived. Such is the case for a pioneer woman whose unnamed grave was found many decades after her death.
Back in 1924, construction workers were building the Mount Hood Highway when they stumbled upon the grave of an unnamed pioneer woman. The grave was moved to a spot along Barlow Road, which was nearby.
Chris Murphy/Wikimedia
Barlow Road was the first road that allowed passage from east to west through the Cascade Mountains. Completed in 1846, it was a popular (though difficult) route for pioneers, and you can still see the ruts from the wagons in some spots on the road. Today, it’s a popular spot for hiking and snowshoeing.
Nicholas Newman/Google
To reach the grave, take the Pioneer Woman’s Grave Trail. Head down Oregon Highway 35 past the Barlow Pass SnoPark. Then, take Forest Road 3531 and follow the signs to the trailhead. The grave is located just 250 feet down the trail.
U.S. National Archives Collection Public Domain
Not much is known about the woman who is buried here. The son of a man who worked as a superintendent at Barlow Road recalled that his father had told them a story about meeting a man on the road who had buried his wife. The young mother of two children, she had gotten sick and died along the trail.
Forest Service/YouTube
Next to the large pile of rocks marking the grave, you’ll find a plaque that honors her memory. Take a moment to stop and reflect about the hardships that faced Oregon’s pioneers as they made the arduous journey west.
Forest Service/YouTube
Visitors often place rocks on the grave, however, the Forest Service does not encourage the practice. If you make the trek down this trail, remember that this is the site of a burial and treat it with the same respect you’d want others to treat the graves of your loved ones.
Lisa Kennedy/Google
The pioneer woman’s grave is just one of several stops on this accessible road trip created by the U.S. Forest Service. Check out this video on YouTube for more interesting stops in the area:
Chris Murphy/Wikimedia
Nicholas Newman/Google
U.S. National Archives Collection Public Domain
Forest Service/YouTube
Lisa Kennedy/Google
Visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website for more information about this trail. If you’re fascinated by Oregon’s history, you might want to head out to eastern Oregon, where you’ll find the forgotten grave of this famous explorer.
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