White River Hydroelectric Powerplant - Wasco Co. Oregon

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White River Hydroelectric Powerplant
Mill No: Or-33-01-White River Hydroelectric Powerplant

State -	Oregon
County -	Wasco Co.
Township -	n/a
Year -	1910-1960
Water Source -	White River.

Pictures by: 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.

Picture: 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.

Pictures by: 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.

Picture: 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.

Pictures by: 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.

Picture: 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.

Pictures by: 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.

Picture: 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.

Pictures by: 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.

Picture: 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.

Directions: 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.

"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

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