At least a day should be spent in Mackenzie Valley before resuming
the trail. Signs of game are everywhere apparent, and the surrounding
ridges are rich in the hard obsidian from which the Indians made their
knives and arrow-heads. Anahim Peak, the dark mass to the north-
east of the Rainbows, was once the main source of supply and on that
account bore the name of “ Beece.”’

From Mackenzie Valley to Tanya Lakes is a distance of roughly 15
miles, and here again we find ourselves upon Mackenzie’s route. In his
Journal he states that, on July 15th, 1793, he camped on “a very
pleasant green spot,” and research makes it evident that this was near
the head of Lower Tanya Lake. To this place he had been accompanied
by a party of friendly Indians, but next morning they went their
respective ways—Mackenzie and his men towards Bella Coola and the
Indians to the Salmon House at the junction of the Takia and Dean
Rivers. From time immemorial this spot was the rendezvous for the
great annual taking of the salmon, and until some thirty years ago it
was still the resort of the Indians of the Interior. Now, however, most
of the catching and curing is done on the Takia River where it emerges
from Tanya Lakes, and only the clearings remain to mark the site of
the old Salmon House.

From Tanya Lakes to Dean River Crossing is a distance of 20 miles.
It must be remembered that from 15 to 20 miles is considered to be a
very good day’s journey by saddle- and pack-horse. Part of the route

On the Whitesail River.

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