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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.