Sumpter in Baker County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
A Golden History
Sumpter Valley Dredge
Photographed By Don Hann, August 7, 2017
1. A Golden History Marker
There are many ways to learn about the dredge and the people who worked it, from tours to trails to train rides. Feel free to explore! Check out the visitor center for more information about the dredge and park activities. Visit the depot for a schedule of train rides and events.
All that glitters is not gold. The shiny flecks you see on the river bottom are mica that has been washed down from the spring floods. Real gold is harder to find. Learn more about gold panning in the visitor center.
Where did all the piles of rock come from? The dredge "stacker" left these rocks, called tailings, in its wake as it moved through the valley. Learn more by taking a tour or reading the interpretive panels along the dredge loop trail.
Erected by Oregon State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 44° 44.643′ N, 118° 12.217′ W. Marker is in Sumpter, Oregon, in Baker County. Marker is on Austin Street, 0.1 miles west
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Working Dredge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Floating in its own pond (about 600 feet away); Anchoring the Dredge (about 600 feet away); A Tale of the Tailings (about 700 feet away); Site of Bank of Sumpter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sumpter, Oregon (approx. ¼ mile away).
More about this marker. This marker is at the entrance to the park and provides general orientation information. It is located adjacent to the historic depot for the Sumpter Valley Railroad.
Also see . . . Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area. The Sumpter Valley Dredge is nestled at the base of the majestic granite peaks of the Elkhorn Mountain Range. The Powder River is born deep within the range and picks up speed as it spills down the Sumpter Valley, traveling through the park before reaching Phillips Reservoir. (Submitted on August 12, 2017.)
Photographed By Don Hann, August 7, 2017
2. A Golden History Marker, Entrance to the Park and the Historic Sumpter Valley Railroad Depot
Overview showing location of marker at the entrance to the park. It is visible at the far left of this view.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2017, by Don Hann of Canyon City, Oregon. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2017, by Don Hann of Canyon City, Oregon. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
