Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Fremont Congo Gulch - Oregon

Umatilla National Forest

***(Construction ALERT!)***

History

Fremont Congo Gulch cabin is one of three cabins located at the historic Fremont Powerhouse site near the town of Granite. The powerhouse was constructed in 1908 and after 59 years of continuous service, generated its last electrical power in October 1967. In 1968, the California - Pacific Utilities Company donated the entire complex to the U.S. Forest Service. The need for economic power surfaced in 1903 when the earnings of some local mines began to decrease. In an effort to operate the mines more economically, local waterpower was piped from nearby Olive Lake though an eight-mile long wood and steel pipeline to generate the much-needed electrical power. Fremont Congo Gulch was constructed in the 1930s and is listed on the National Register as a Historic District.

Description

This two-story white cabin is neatly tucked under a large Douglas-fir and next to a small pond (no fish). It features three bedrooms, a full bath with hot and cold running water (during the summer months only), a kitchen and a living room. The cabin is furnished with 1 full over queen bunk bed, 1 queen bed, 3 twin beds, a log futon, couch and love seat, and two dining tables with chairs. The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove and oven, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, and a variety of utensils, such as skillets, glasses, cups, dishes and silverware. Cleaning supplies are also provided. The cabin has electric lights throughout and is heated with an oil heater. A picnic table and brick fireplace are provided next to the pond for outdoor barbecuing and campfires.

While there is drinking water available June through September, there is no water or indoor plumbing during fall, winter and early spring months. Visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. There is an outhouse near the cabin.

Area Attractions & Activities

The cabins at Fremont Powerhouse are located near the historic town of Granite, OR. Nearby Olive Lake offers many recreational options, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Go hiking on North Fork John Day Wilderness trails and mountain biking on closed forest roads. Take a drive along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. Also enjoy berry picking (blackberries and huckleberries, depending on the season), bird watching, photography, wildlife viewing (watch for black bear, elk and deer) and the vast, incredible scenery.

Amenities

• Flush Toilet (summer only)
• Outhouse
• Drinking Water (summer only)
• Bathtub (summer only)
• Shower (summer only)
• Electric Lights
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Oven
• Microwave
• Oil Heater

There is additional space for tent camping.

Pets

Pets are welcome. Stock animals, such as horses, are not.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From Pendleton, travel south on Highway 395 for 50 miles to the Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah. Take Forest Service Road (FSR) 52 from Ukiah city center, and travel 50 miles to the small town of Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. The main road veers left along the creek bed. At this junction go uphill on FSR 10 and follow the signs to the Fremont Powerhouse.

From Baker City, travel west on Highway 7 20 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 73. Proceed north through Sumpter and another 17 miles to the small town of Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. The main road veers left along the creek bed. At this junction go uphill on FSR 10 and follow the signs to the Fremont Powerhouse.

Forest Service Road 10 is maintained in summer months, but access during the winter months may require snowmobiles, cross country skis, snowshoes or 4 wheel drive, depending on weather conditions. There is limited parking away from the site.