Crossing rivers, such as the Green River, was one of the most dangerous parts of the trail. In early spring and late summer the river could be safely forded, but most of the emigrants arrived during the flood season. Meltwaters from the Wind River Range of mountains to the north and east swelled the river channel, making the current wide, deep, and swift. As the number of travelers along the Mormon, Oregon, and California Trails increased, many ferry locations were established along a 50 mile stretch of the Green River. Prices for a ferry ride could range from $3 up to $15 per wagon (the typical weekly wage for a laborer in the mid-eighteen hundreds was about $5). Transporting an entire wagon train across the river was a tedious and time-consuming process that could take several days. Weary travelers would find relief from their travels of the previous week's journey across the hot arid lands of Wyoming by the cool water and in the shade of cottonwood trees along the river.