Located on an old Indian and fur trade route, the Three Island Ford presented a difficult challenge to emigrants. Those who attempted the crossing used the southern two islands and connecting sand bars to cross the river, while those who were unsuccessful or chose not to try remained on the southern alternate. Usually attempted during low water in July and August, the crossing was always dangerous, as shown by many recorded deaths in the area. On August 13, 1836, Narcissa Whitman wrote that two of the tallest horses carried her and Mrs. Spaulding over, with Mr. McCleod exchanging horses with her, and that in the last branch they rode as much as half a mile against the current, with water up to the horses' sides. She recalled that her husband had considerable difficulty getting the cart across after both the cart and mules were turned upside down in the river and tangled in the harness, and that the mules were saved from drowning only through a desperate struggle to get them ashore. After putting two of the strongest horses before the cart and having men swim behind to steady it, they finally succeeded in getting it across, and she concluded that she could now cross the most difficult stream without the least fear.