Million Dollar Mile (part 2)

When the Million Dollar Mile outside of Coulee City was created it inadvertently ran through a field with a level area and a natural spring surrounded by trees. For uncounted years this was a camping spot for the original nomadic inhabitants of the Upper Grand Coulee. The spring was nestled up on the cliff wall just out of sight, and the trail up ran along a cut to the south east. Once there was a large stone table for preparing food and families gathered together at the spring for generations. Down below in the coulee were several lakes that attracted game, and abundant produce grew wild in the surrounding landscape. To the west of the spring was Salishan Mesa, its original name forgotten, standing tall and proud above the landscape, teetering on the edge of the coulee wall. From on top of the mesa, Steamboat Rock could be seen in the distance, and down below in the coulee the main trail leading to it. Sometimes if you listen closely enough you will hear tales of a tragic battle that took place in the coulee below, under the watchful eye of Rabbit Rock and Salishan Mesa.

John M. Kemble, Them Dam Writers online 2020