Fremont Powerhouse

Fremont Powerhouse
Historic District

Fremont Powerhouse Historic District

Some of the original wooden pipe that carried water for over
five miles from Olive Lake

Powerhouse pipe used to carry water from Olive Lake

"Lake Depuddle" at the Fremont Powerhouse Historic District

Fremont Powerhouse pond

Three cabins are available for rent by the U.S Forest Service....for more info, visit: rental cabins

Park Rangers
Oregon State Parks
Sumpter Gold Dredge Day
Workers Reunion

Junior Ranger Program

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Oregon National Guard works on the Sumpter Valley Dredge

The Oregon National Guard worked on the Sumpter Valley Dredge in 2007 see photos

Fremont Powerhouse - Historic District

The Fremont Powerhouse was built in 1908, and began supplying power to the Red Boy and other mining interests in the area and eventually became the sole source of power for the Sumpter Valley Dredge. By utilizing the water storage of nearby Olive Lake, the Fremont Powerhouse was able to supply electrical power to nearby towns and mines in addition to the Red Boy mine. The powerhouse gets it's name from Fremont, Nebraska, the hometown of Red Boy Mine owner Ray Nye.

Fremont Powerhouse 2010

The Fremont Powerhouse operated until 1967. After 59 years of service, it was no longer practical due to it's small size and remoteness and was taken off line. In 1968, California-Pacific-Utilities Company donated the Fremont Powerhouse to the U.S. Forest Service.

Entrance to the Fremont Powerhouse 2010

The Fremont Powerhouse is located in the beautiful Blue Mountains, approximately 8 miles from the ghosttown of Granite, and approximately 25 miles from Sumpter. Follow the signs for Olive Lake from Granite. Road is accessible throughout the summer and is plowed to within a mile or so of the powerhouse in the winter.

Electrical Board Generators

Water Intake Valve View from Powerhouse Office

In the winter of 1992, the roof collapsed due to a heavy snow load. Restoration was made by The Oregon National Guard from 1999-2005. The National Guard also made repairs to the Caretakers house. CSM Joseph F. Batty, Ret. was in charge of the operation. Batty and his family lived in one of the historic houses while restoration was being made.

We would like to thank Mitch Fielding for giving us such a great tour. Mitch has been taking care of the Powerhouse and giving tours since 2006. If you would like to arrange a personal tour of the Fremont Powerhouse, give Mitch a call at: 541-755-5200.