Introducing Steven Mitchell Welches Oregon – Steven Overton Mitchell was one of the last of a generation who carved out their lives in the rugged foothills of Mount Hood. Known to most as “Steve,” he lived quietly and humbly in the mountains near Welches, Oregon, where he became a local legend for his endurance, independence, and devotion to the forested solitude he called home.
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.
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
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
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.
