Sumpter Valley Dredge, Oregon

Posted by in Oregon Travel

The dredges that once mined gold out West typically aren't open to the public. So my husband, Larry, and I jumped at a chance to board one of the biggest ever made--the venerable 1,240-ton Sumpter Valley Dredge (above) outside scenic Sumpter, Oregon.

Built for $350,000 in 1935, the dredge produced $4.5 million in gold in just less than 20 years. Except during World War II, it operated daily in all kinds of weather.

As we examined the machinery in the cool depths of its interior, we could almost hear the ear-splitting roar the powerful behemoth produced years ago.

The Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area is located on State Highway 220, about 3 miles north of State Highway 7 (the Elkhorn Scenic Byway) and about 30 miles west of Baker City--just follow the signs. The day-use park is open year-round; dredge tours (first floor wheelchair-accessible) are offered only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from May through October.

To learn more, call 1-541/894-2486.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
What did you think of this article?
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
If you enjoyed this post, please consider rating it above or clicking one of the social media buttons on the left.

Thanks so much!