Mill Details

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant

Wasco Co. | Oregon | USA
Known Dates: 1910-1960
Township: n/a
Watersource: White River.
Location / Directions

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant

About 12 miles NW of Maupin, Or. on US 197, turn east on Sh 216 at Tigh Valley. Procede 4 to 5 miles to White River Falls State Park on the right side of Sh 216.

Verse for Thought
"O Lord, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble."
({Isaiah 33:2 NKJV})
White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Jim Miller Late 1990's

In the early 1900's, farmers living in the local area put the White River Falls to creative use when they established a water-powered grist mill at the falls.

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Jim Miller Late 1990's

Though the grist mill did not survive the ravages of the entire 20th century, it was successful enough to lead to the construction of the hydroelectric powerplant in the canyon below the falls about a decade after the inception of the grist mill.

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Jim Miller Late 1990's

The diversion pond that siphoned the water from the top of the falls. The water was let out of the reservior by means of gates, then it flowed through 3'-4' diameter banded wooden stave pipe to the plant. Bends were accomplished with riveted steel sections forming the turns.

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Kyle Knutson

The roof has kept up quite well for this long but only portions remain.

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Jim Miller Late 1990's

Generator shells still in the powerplant, which closed from providing power to Wasco and Sherman Counties in 1960 after 50 years of service.

White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Jim Miller Late 1990's

Much of the original building is still intact, as are some sections of the penstock pipe cornerings and a little wood stave section attached to steel flanges. The White River Canyon is extremely wild and turbulent. Care is needed when hiking around the surging stream and falls. The entire complex is administered by the Oregon State Parks.

 
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