The first people to make it to Oregon, was Lewis and Clark. Since their route was too harsh for ordinary people, not many people ventured there. When Jedediah Smith found the South Pass (an easier way through the Sierra Nevada), many settlers crossed the country to get to Oregon. The first people were missionaries and although not many Natives converted, their tales of fertile soil encouraged many people to venture to Oregon. They went through the country on a covered wagon. Furthermore, the challenges they faced, consisted of harsh weather, starvation (especially when crossing the Sierra Nevada), and Native American attacks.