Fred Beckey’s path-finding exploits as mountaineer and scholar find new expression in his “Range of Glaciers: The Exploration and Survey of the Northern Cascade Range” (University of Washington Press, 568 pages, hard cover, $40).

Exploration of the Pacific Northwest happened on so many stages in so many theaters it’s difficult today to fully appreciate the intrepid men and women of the 19th century. But we can try and greatly expand our personal knowledge of the scenes we see as we travel.

“Other than Sasquatch, Fred Beckey is the most legendary in the lore of the Northern Cascades,” said writer Murray Morgan of Seattle in a foreword.

“Unlike Sasquatch, he is known to exist. Every peak and valley seems to have a Beckey anecdote attached,” Morgan said.

Beckey not only knows the Northern Cascades, he knows what’s been said about them, through his diligent, years-long research.

Among the topics covered are McClellan’s railroad pass survey, the first wagon roads, Indian wars, the Northwest boundary survey, legacy of the land grants, Army exploration of Lake Chelan and much more.

The result is this thick but readable book. Numerous photos and maps, a detailed “notes” section, 26 pages listing sources, and a complete index make this book not only a reading experience, but a valuable resource.

Haida legends

Legends of the Pacific Northwest Haida Indians, who lived on the Queen Charlotte Islands, are presented in a new edition of Lurline Bowles Mayol’s “The Talking Totem Pole” (Binford & Mort, 144 pages, soft cover, $14.95).

The book was first published in 1930 by Saalfield, and released by Binford & Mort in 1943.

The book was written for young people, but it’s enjoyable for any age. It’s illustrated by Edward Morgan.

“…The Haida Indians had already reached a high degree of cultural development when the first white men visited the Pacific Coast,” Mayol writes in a note to readers. The story teller uses her gift of ventriloquism to animate her ancestral totem pole.

Oregon guide

“Stunning” is the word used in a press release about William L. Sullivan’s new guide book, “Oregon Trips and Trails” (Navillus Press, 288 pages, $24.95).

“Stunning” is the right word: 800 color maps and photos, detailed text and charts describe 100 top destinations, 63 scenic hiking trails and 250 places to stay.

Sullivan said his new book “proves that some of the world’s most beautiful getaways are right here in our own back yard, in Oregon.”

He’s touring Oregon giving free public slide shows about his new book. Watch for him.