Elijah “Lige” Coalman may not be a household name today, but among those who know the history of Mount Hood, he stands as one of its most enduring legends.
Elijah “Lige” Coalman – Mount Hood Legend
Tag: history
Mount Hood Memories of Mrs. McIntyre – Brightwood Homesteader
Before paved highways and modern bridges crossed the Mount Hood corridor, the pioneers who settled this region faced rugged terrain, rough trails, and river fords. One of the most vivid accounts of those early days comes from Mrs. J.T. McIntyre, an early settler of the Welches area
Swim Resort Near Government Camp – Mount Hood History
In the 1920s, development around Mount Hood was on the rise. The construction of the Mount Hood Loop Highway opened the southern side of the mountain to auto tourism, making it possible to visit Government Camp year-round — at least in theory
Gateway to the Mountain: The History of Sandy Oregon
Located along U.S. Highway 26, Sandy, Oregon is the last major town before reaching Mount Hood. It serves as a gateway for travelers heading to ski resorts, hiking trails, and high country lakes. The town is small but active, with a population of about 13,000 and a long history of logging, farming, and outdoor tourism. Sandy is also a center of community life for nearby rural towns like Brightwood, Welches, and Rhododendron.
The Summit House Fire Lookout: Life on The Top of Mount Hood
In the summer of 1915, the U.S. Forest Service launched a bold experiment: a seasonal fire lookout stationed at the summit of Mount Hood. Elijah “Lige” Coalman, a seasoned mountain man and Forest Service ranger, took on the task.