Marsh's recommended route, the California Trail, was based on the prior experiences of Jedediah Smith, Peter Skene Ogden, and Joseph R. Walker. That route led southwest from Soda Springs along the Bear River and the Cache Valley. On August 24, 1841, the party headed west and north around the Great Salt Lake, camping in the vicinity of the Hansel Mountains until September 9 while they scouted the route to Mary's River (known today as the Humboldt River). By September 12 wagons and possessions were beginning to be abandoned. By October 9 they crossed Mary's River and headed west to Lake Humboldt, Humboldt Sink, and Carson Sink. On October 30 they passed through the Stanislaus River canyon into the San Joaquin Valley. On November 4, 1841, the party made it to Marsh's ranch.Stone, Irving. Men to Match my Mountains, pp 32-37, Berkley Books, New York, New York, 1956, 1982. .
