In 1853, another group left the Oregon Trail at Vale. This emigration was led by Elijah Elliott who followed, with some exceptions, Meek's 1845 route. But instead of turning north at the Deschutes River, Elliott turned south and traveled up the Deschutes about 30 miles where a newly built trail had been prepared for the wagon train. This new road crossed the Cascades near present-day Willamette Pass and was known as the Free Emigrant Road. No toll would be collected on this road.