Waitsburg, Wash.—A geological expedition from the University of California has gone into the world's deepest rock cleft in an attempt to thoroughly explore the rugged mazes of Snake River canyon, in some respects more remarkable than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. It is deeper than the Grand Canyon and it is practically inaccessible to all but the hardiest and most well-equipped climbers. There are no trails, and the river itself cannot be navigated.
The most niggard and deepest portion of the canyon lies between the Seven Devils range and the Wallawa mountains. It is from 6,000 to 7,000 feet deep and seven miles wide across the top. At the point there is a sheer slope from the snow-capped peak of the 9,000 feet the boiling surface of the Snake River.
The cross section of 7,000 feet of the earth's crust is a marvelous field of study for the geologist. The top and thickest layer is basalt; older rocks are mineralized, and contain prospects of copper, silver and gold. The deposits of these metals have lured many corporations to attempt exploitation, but the terrific heat in summer and cold in winter and the tremendous amount of water in winter have prevented.
An estimate of a narrow-gauge railroad up the canyon involves such tremendous expense that all thought of it has for the present been abandoned. The cost of building tunnels and setting machinery have prevented.
This portion of the Snake River has never been descended with rafts or whirlpools, swift cascades and falls. The expedition, taking advantage of the lowest water in the river for a decade, has been a significant achievement.  is following the gorge in the riverbed on horseback and afoot. 