Enola Hill

Enola Hill, since time immemorial, has been a place utilized by American Indians from all around the Northwest for vision quests, ceremonies, huckleberry picking, medicine gathering, hunting, fishing and other activities at this usual and accustomed place.  It is here that nature, culture and history come together, and the site offers visitors breathtaking views, such as from Cougar Lookout and Spirit Horse Falls (misnamed Devils Falls).  It is an area people travel through trying to reach the Mount Hood wilderness, without knowing they are traveling through sacred land. This rugged terrain is rich with wildlife, ranging from elk and deer to bear, cougar, bobcat and coyotes, as well as eagles, hawks,  owls and other raptors.

Enola Hill is endangered;  its natural, cultural and historical resources have been threatened with being destroyed because of logging.  Since 1990, people have fought to preserve this special landscape with its rich heritage.  The result is more activism to preserve such rare sites, and for American Indians to continue to practice their cultural activities in places like this.  Traditionalists like Chief Johnny Jackson  (Cascade Tribe), Chief Wilbur Slockish (Cascade-Klickitat Tribe), elder Carol Logan  (Clackamas tribe) and others have followed other spiritual leaders attempting to ensure that Enola will be passed on, and educating all visitors with the purpose of regaining an understanding of what it means to sacrifice in order to preserve something that is so special. Everyone involved is a volunteer.

• Seasonal access (in winter, 4-wheel-drive vehicle may be needed)