Thompson's Travels Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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In 1806, the North West Company sent David Thompson to establish posts on the west side of the Rockies and to find a route to the Pacific Ocean. Travelling from Rocky Mountain House, Thompson used Howse Pass until it was blocked by the Pikani (Piegan) and he was forced to seek an alternate route. In 1810 Thompson and his party travelled north to the Athabasca Valley. Guided by Thomas the Iroquois, Thompson and his men set out to ascend the frozen Whirlpool River to Athabasca Pass in January, 1811. Using sleds, dogs and snowshoes, Thompson became the first white man to cross Athabasca Pass on his way to the Pacific Ocean.
This location marks the confluence of the Whirlpool and Athabasca Rivers. The fur trade brigades likely crossed upstream of this point to access Prairie de la Vache and avoid crossing the Astoria River and Portal Creek on west side of the Athabasca River. For many years this Athabasca Portage was a vital link in the fur trade route from Hudson’s Bay and the St. Lawrence River to the Pacific Ocean.
In accordance with Jasper National Park guidelines no trading items or things that might attract wildlife are to be left in this cache.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)